Chapter 111: A Call

'Soon.' he whispered. It is a promise. He let go of my stiff thigh and got up. 'Nice to meet you, Pearl.'

'Hmmm, you too.' she answered thoughtfully.

He stepped towards the back of the bar. Good God, he walks with purpose and it's sexy as hell. I closed my eyes to collect my mind, which was currently scattered all over the bar floor. It is absolutely hopeless. I turned to Pearl, finding the accusatory bright blue staring at me like fangs had sprouted.

Her eyebrows hit her hairline. 'Fuck me, that was intense!' she spat on the table.

'Was it?' I start pushing my sandwich around my plate.

'You better stop with the blah-fucking-zay shit now, or I'll shove this fork so far up your ass, you'll be chewing metal. What question are you thinking?' Her tone was fierce.'I don't know,' I turned away from her. 'Attractive, arrogant and has a girlfriend.' I try for vague.

Pearl let out a long, over-amplified whistle. I haven't experienced that yet. I heard about it but I didn't witness it.'

'What are you talking about?' I snapped.

She leaned on the table, all serious. 'Shaira Rose, the sexual tension batting between you and that man was so f**king super charged, even I was horny!' She laughs. 'He wants you badly. He couldn't have made it any clearer if he spread you out on that pool table.' He pointed, and I actually looked.

'You're imagining things.' I snorted. I know he's not, but what can I say?

'I have seen the text, and now I have seen the man in the flesh. He's hot...for an older guy.' She shrugs.

'I am not interested.'

'Ha! You keep telling yourself that.'

I frowned at my best friend across the table. 'I will do.'

'Let me know how that works out for you.' she shoots back, rather flippantly. I go back to the office and spend the rest of the day accomplishing absolutely nothing. I turned my pen, visited the bathroom a dozen times, and pretended to listen to Tommy talk about Gay Pride and all things camp. My phone rang four times - all Engelbert Montero - and I declined each call. I was shocked by the perseverance and confidence of this man.

How strong?

I was stunned!

I'm happy and enjoying my newfound freedom, and I have no intention of ruining my plans to be single and carefree. I'm not attracted to a handsome stranger, no matter how handsome he is. And oh, does he melt deliciously. Anyway, he's too old for me. And most of all, he was obviously taken. And that only reinforces the fact that he is a true player. This is not the kind of man I need to attract, damn me, especially after Tom and his infidelities. I need a man, eventually, who will be loyal, protective, and take care of me - preferably closer to my age too. How old is he?

My phone declared a text, which made me jump and stop me from my thoughts. I knew who it was before I looked.

Rejection is not very nice. Why don't you answer my calls? – Engelbert.

Laughing to myself, I caught 's attention, rummaging through the filing cabinet near my desk. Her perfect eyebrows were arched. I don't think he's used to rejection. 'Pearl.'
I offered, by way of explanation. It seems to work, as he goes back to sifting through the cabinet.

It should be obvious why I'm not answering my bloody phone. I don't want to talk to him. He makes me nervous, and triggers so many reactions. And, to be honest, I didn't feel confident in my body around him. It seems to respond to his presence without prompting from me or my brain, and that can be very dangerous.

My phone rang again and I immediately rejected it. Christ, give me a chance to respond! Do I still answer? I will never let him go. I have to be brutal. If you need to discuss your requirements, you should call Herman, not me.

No sign-off and definitely no kiss. I didn't say it in so many words, but he should get the message. I put my phone down, ready to do something, but it rang again. I picked it straight back up, picking up my coffee with my spare hand as I did. I need you to scream. I didn't think Herman could help me there. I just held my breath from my thoughts. That's a thought...do I have to spank you?

I sprayed coffee all over my desk as I coughed. The rude sod! How rude and shameless can a man be? Does he think I'm easy or what? I switched my phone to silent, throwing it on my desk out of annoyance. I don't even dignify that with a response. Answering will only make him stronger. There's a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and Engelbert Montero's triple jumps are right there. I feel sorry for the old pouty lips. Does she know about her man's pursuit of girls?

I watch my screen light up again. I grabbed it, and silenced it before it could attract attention. I opened my top drawer, pulled it down, and slammed it shut. He will get the message.I make a small attempt to get on with some work, but I'm too distracted. Strange words - all out of place in work-related correspondence - appear in my emails as I mindlessly tap away at my keyboard. The office phone rang.

When I looked, I saw that my office mate was far away from her desk, so I answered. 'Good afternoon, The Modern Properties.'

'Don't hang up!' hung up the phone. I sat straight in my seat. Even his urgent voice hits my skin. Get the message, he won't. His skin is really thick.

'Shaira, I'm really very sorry.'

'You?' I couldn't hide the surprise in my voice. Engelbert Montero doesn't seem like the kind of guy to offer an apology.

'Yes, I really am. I made you uncomfortable. I missed the mark by a long shot.' He sounds sincere enough. 'I made you suffer. Please accept my apology.'

I wouldn't say that I was disturbed by his bold behavior and comments. Shocked would be more apt. Some people might admire his confidence, I guess. 'Oh, okay,' I said hesitantly. 'So, you don't want me to scream or throw up?'

'Shaira, you seem disappointed.'

'Not at all,' I exclaimed.

There was a moment of silence before he spoke again. 'Can we start again? I'll keep it professional, of course.'

Oh no. He may be sorry, but that doesn't take away the effect he had on me. And it doesn't escape my thoughts that this is just a ploy to get me back on his side so he can re-commence pursuing me.

'Mr. Montero, I'm not really the right person for this job,' I spun around in my chair to see if Herman was in his office. He is. 'Can I transfer you to Herman?' I push, mentally pleading for him to take the hint.

'It's Engelbert. You make me feel old when you call me Mr. Montero.' he whispered.I covered my mouth when my lips parted and that question almost came out. I'm still intrigued by that topic, but I won't ask again.

'Shaira, if it makes you feel better, you can handle Allan. What will be the next stage?'

Oh? Will it make me feel better? The big man has intimidation equal to ' bravery. I'm not sure I'd be more comfortable with his offer to replace herself with Allan. But the fact that he was willing to do it, tells me that he really wants me to do the designs and that, I think, is a compliment.

The Country Hills will be a great addition to my portfolio.

'I need to measure the rooms and draw some plans.' I spat out the words impulsively.

'Perfect,' he seemed relieved. 'Allan can take you to the rooms. He can handle your tape measure. Tomorrow?'Tomorrow? He loves As it happens, I can't. I have various appointments throughout the day, and Wednesday is also off. 'I can't do anything tomorrow or Wednesday, I'm sorry.'

'Oh,' he said quietly. 'Do you work nights?'

Oh, is it me? Well, I don't like working nights, but many clients work nine to five jobs and are not available during the work day. I prefer evenings to weekends. I was never taken to weekend appointments.

'I can do tomorrow evening.' I blurt, turning on the page in my diary to tomorrow. My last appointment was at five o'clock with Mrs. Michaels. 'Seven-ish?' I asked, already penciling him in. 'Perfect. I would say that I'll look forward to it, but I can't look forward to it because I won't be seeing you.' I couldn't see him, but I knew he was smiling. I can hear it in his tone. He just couldn't help himself. 'I'll let John know to expect you at seven.' '-ish,' I added. I don't know how long it will take me to get out of the city at that time of day.

'-ish,' he confirmed. 'Thank you, Shaira.''It's up to you, Mr. Montero. Goodbye.' I hung up and started tapping my fingernail on my front teeth. 'Shaira?' Herman called from his office.

'Yes?' I swing my chair to face him.

'The Country Hills, they want you, flower.' He shrugged, returning to his computer screen.No, he likes me.

Another call from the telephone. She answers it right away with a smile.

"Hello, this is Shaira Rose of the Modern Properties. What can I help you with?"Hi Shaira, it is me, Anne Rose Fernando, how are you now?"

"Sister Anne?"

XXX