The Good Girl Read online

  My mind was full of thoughts no good girl should know anything about…like how she would feel lying underneath me…how her skin tastes…how her voice will sound when I hit that sweet spot…how her breasts will feel in my hands…what is wrong with me? She’s not my type and she’s too young. But being around her just feels right.

  I would have paid any amount of money that man asked for that bear. The look on her face when that ring landed on the red bottle was worth the five hundred dollars it cost me. I don’t know what came over me, or why I picked her up and spun her around. Why did she have to look up at me with those beautiful dark brown eyes and pouty lips, begging me to kiss her? I was about to answer her silent request, when we were interrupted.

  “Sir, which bear, the one with the blue ribbon or the red bandana?”

  I cleared my throat. “It’s up to her.” She handed me my jacket.

  “I’ll take the red one. Thank you.”

  “Would you like to try for another one?” he asked as he handed me the bear.

  “I think he needs to give his arm a rest.” She smiled and winked.

  I looked around the room and spotted Tony at the dart booth. “There’s Tony. Maybe you can convince him to win a friend for your bear.” She looked in the direction I was pointing and back at me with those eyes.

  “I see the perfect one.” She started walking and turned back. “Coming?”

  “I’ll catch up with you.” I tried not to look, but I couldn’t help myself. I looked up and my eyes landed on her hips. For the first time, I understood what my dad meant about my mother. I pulled on my collar and headed to the bar.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Gabriella

  I LOOKED AROUND THE BALLROOM for Phillippe, but didn’t see him. I sat down with both my bears and waited for Tony to come back from the buffet. When he returned, I set out to find Phillippe. I did a turn around the room but didn’t see him. I went outside and found him in the courtyard. I thought he was on the phone, so I proceeded carefully. I tapped him on the shoulder and he turned around.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, I just needed some air.” I stood next to him. “Did Tony get your bear?”

  “Yes.” I smiled. “Now I have a pair. I’m going to donate them to the nursery department at my church.” I looked up at the sky. “What a beautiful night. The stars are so bright. Did you eat?”

  “I wasn’t hungry.” He sipped from the short clear glass.

  I looked at my watch. “What time do you want to leave?”

  “Whenever you want to.”

  He seemed different and he wasn’t looking at me. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

  “We need to keep things professional.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “This is a business event, and I don’t think it’s appropriate for you to react like you did earlier back at the game.”

  What the crap is he talking about? He’s the one that’s had his eyes plastered to my behind all night. He’s the one that picked me up and hugged me. He’s the one that almost kissed me in a room full of his colleagues. He bought the dress and told me to make sure I kicked it up a notch so I could make a good impression. Keep your cool girl. Talk about a fast way to kill a crush.

  “I understand. Excuse me.” I went inside, by passed the ballroom and headed to the taxi stand. I saw Tony as I was getting into a taxi and ignored him.

  When I got back to the hotel, I took the beautiful fuchsia dress off and left it in a puddle in the middle of the floor. I got in bed and tried to fall asleep, but Phillippe kept appearing in my head. That almost kiss and how it felt to be wrapped in his arms was on a loop in my mind. The more it played, the more excited I got. Around two o’clock, I realized this wasn’t a crush, but something more.

  When I woke up, I looked at the dress on the floor and all the messages I had from Phillippe and got angry all over again. How dare he make it seem like I was the one brushing up on him. If I didn’t like this job, I’d quit. God, give me the strength to deal with my boss and not let anger take over. I don’t know what his problem is, so I’ll let you handle him while I do my job.

  The phone started ringing. I reached over and picked it up. “Hello.”

  “Good morning, Miss Townsend, feeling better?” Tony asked.

  “What…oh…uhm, yes, thank you.”

  “I told Mr. Marchant you left early because you weren’t feeling well. I knocked on your door last night, but there was no answer. I figured you probably took something to help you sleep, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Can I get you anything?”

  “No. Are we still meeting at eight thirty?”

  “No. Mr. Marchant had to meet with James Marshall this morning. He said for you to get some rest and he’ll meet you in the lobby at ten thirty. Are you sure you’re all right?”

  “I’m fine. Thank you.”

  Phillippe

  “What happened?” Tony growled.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I saw Gabriella get in a taxi and leave. What happened?”

  “I told her we needed to be professional and that it wasn’t appropriate for her to be all up on me. Where’s the waiter?” I looked around.

  “What’s wrong with you?”

  “There’s nothing wrong with me.”

  He nodded. “Is that why you barely said two words in the car?

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I saw how you looked at her.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” When Gabriella’s soft body pressed against mine, it caused a reaction I hadn’t expected.

  “Come on man. I know what you’re doing.”

  “What am I doing?”

  “I’m your boy. I saw what Chantal did to you, but you can’t think every woman is like her.”

  “You’re talking out of your…”

  “I see how you are with Gabriella.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Why didn’t you kiss her?”

  I shook my head. “I don’t know what it is, but I can’t get her out of my head. Even when I’m asleep, she’s right there. Man, those curves and lips are torturing me. Then she goes and does that thing with her hair.” I rubbed my forehead. “I was cool until I got a glimpse of her thighs. Man…I keep telling myself, look, but don’t touch. I know the minute I cross that line, one of us could get hurt.”

  “Or, it could be the ride of your life.”

  “She’s not even my type.”

  “Maybe that’s your problem…she’s different and it scares you.”

  “What…get out of here. I’m not scared of that petite, innocent looking…uhm…” I tugged on my collar.

  Tony shook his head smiling. “Think about it. You’re used to the model-looking bubble head.”

  “That’s not true.”

  “Let me see, there was Katrina, whose life ambition was to be a reality tv star. Or Gretchen. I think she said her favorite meal was skrimp scampanini.” I started laughing. “Wait a minute, and let’s not forget Amber, who signed her name with a letter ‘A’ inside of a heart. She said it was her logo.” We laughed harder.

  “I get your point.”

  “True, they were all fine, until you got to know them. Then they just looked ordinary. I think you stuck with Chantal because she was the first one who had a brain. Too bad she didn’t have a heart.”

  I nodded. He was right. None of them could hold a candle to Gabriella. “Man, but she’s so young.”

  “Not really.”

  “You think I’m being an ass?”

  “I know you are.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Gabriella

  I SAT IN THE LOBBY waiting on Phillippe. I was still a little heated from last night. I closed my eyes and prayed softly. God, forgive me for acting like a child. Please don’t let me say anything that could jeopardize my job. Amen.

  I needed a distraction from the drama and opened my
iPad. I tried reading, but my thoughts were focused elsewhere. How is it possible for me to have developed such strong feelings for Phillippe after just a few weeks? Yes, he’s fine, sensitive, smart, funny, charismatic and…why am I torturing myself? There is no reason or explanation other than it just happened.

  I should have answered at least one of his calls last night, or listened to one of his messages. I don’t like not being prepared for a meeting. Being pissed off is one thing. Being unprofessional is not acceptable.

  I wasn’t sure where we were going today, so I didn’t know how to prepare. I may have, if I hadn’t been so stubborn.

  Suddenly, a shadow blocked the sunlight that was shining down on me. I looked up and Phillippe was standing next to me. Crap. How are we supposed to keep things professional, if he insists on looking so freaking hot all the time?

  “Mind if I join you?” I pointed to the empty chair across from me and closed my iPad. He sat down and took off his sunglasses. His cologne surrounded the intimate space. I took a deep breath and tried not to let his gorgeous face distract me. “I want to apologize for my behavior last night. It wasn’t you, it was me. My last relationship left me with a lot of scars and I’m a little…”

  “Scared.”

  “Cautious.” He nodded with a slight smile. “You came in here and shook up my world. I’ve been trying to fight these feelings I have for you, but they won’t go away.” He moved to the edge of the chair. “I need you on my team, but more importantly, I want you in my life. So how do we handle this?”

  I bit my bottom lip and looked into his eyes. “You’re assuming I feel the same.”

  “Don’t tell me I just poured my heart out and you…” He dropped his head and clasped his hands.

  I reached over and covered his hands with mine. He slowly raised his head and looked me in the eye. “I like my job and I like you. Maybe we take it slow and figure the rest out as we go?”

  He lifted my hand to his lips and gently kissed it. Then he brushed his lips against my ear and I gasped. His spicy manly scent and the heat of his sweet breath was overwhelming. His cheek grazed mine as he whispered, “I can do that.”

  Phillippe

  God, I can’t believe I fell in love with this woman. It hasn’t even been a month and I can’t imagine my life without her. I need you to help me fix the mess I made with Gabriella.

  I had a hard time concentrating at my meeting. All I could think about was Gabriella and how desperate I am to fix things with her.

  After meeting with James, I went up to Pediatrics. Walking around, observing the children and their families, reminded me of my conversation with Gabriella. Listening to her talk about the children she works with at her church inspired me.

  I called James and told him I wanted to add an art room and a museum to showcase the children’s art. We could ask local artists to come in and help with art therapy. He thought it was a great idea. I can’t wait to tell Gabriella…that is, if she’s speaking to me.

  I walked into the lobby and saw her sitting off to the side by herself and knew I was ready for this relationship. I was up most of the night thinking about her. She crossed her legs and before she pulled her skirt down, I caught a glimpse of her thigh. How is it possible that this woman has had me all twisted up?

  She was pretty angry last night, and she had every right to be. I acted like a jerk. I can’t believe my best friend called me an ass, but he’s right. I have to stop comparing every woman to Chantal. I also have to face up to my part in the demise of our relationship. I could have been a little more open. But she didn’t have to say my decision to take this offer was a step down.

  It’s not a step down, but a welcome challenge. She failed to understand how important loyalty is to me. If she had, then we’d still be together and I’d have another person I could trust on my team. Instead, she opted to stay at Thomas Childs and break up with me. Good thing I never proposed or agreed to her idea of living together. That greedy chick would have kept the ring and probably sued me for the apartment. As it is, I regret having bought her a place in my building. An upside to this long trip is I don’t have to bump into her every day. I’d move, but I like my place and the view is amazing.

  Here I am walking over to a woman I’ve known for less than a month, prepared to beg her forgiveness and a chance at sharing my life with her. I don’t know who this man is, but I think I might like him.

  I stopped next to her chair, cleared my throat and she looked up at me with those big, beautiful brown eyes. At that moment, I was prepared do whatever she asked of me.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Gabriella

  PHILLIPPE SAID WE WOULD BE staying over an extra day. He gave me no instructions so I wasn’t able to prepare. My phone rang at seven, and I recognized the ringtone and pressed the answer call button.

  “Hello.”

  “Good morning, Miss Townsend.”

  “Good morning, Tony.”

  “Mr. Marchant wants you to meet him in the lobby in an hour for a breakfast meeting.”

  “Okay.”

  “And dress casual.”

  “Casual?” Strange order.

  “Yes. He said you will be doing a lot of walking after the meeting.”

  “All right.” I got up and got dressed.

  I stood in the lobby looking for Tony and Phillippe, but didn’t see either of them. I walked out to the valet stand and saw the car, but neither of them. I headed back inside and heard a horn honk and someone call my name. I turned around and it was Phillippe in a vintage white Cadillac convertible.

  “What’s this?” I smiled. “Tony said we have a breakfast meeting?”

  “We do.” He got out of the car and walked over and hugged me. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning. What’s going on?”

  “You and I are going to breakfast. I heard about this place about twenty minutes away that serves the best biscuits and gravy.” He escorted me to the car.

  “What do you know about biscuits and gravy?” I teased.

  “Girl, you’d be surprised at the things you don’t think I should know, but do.” He winked and opened the door. I got into the car, he closed the door, walked around to the driver’s side and got in behind the wheel. “Ready?”

  “Miss Townsend.”

  I turned and saw Tony walking towards the car. “I’ll take your bag.” He reached into the back seat and picked up my tote bag. “Have fun.” He smiled.

  “Bye.”

  It was a beautiful day. I looked at Phillippe and couldn’t believe how my life had changed in such a short time.

  We pulled into a parking lot next to a little grey building. He got out, walked around and helped me out of the car. “My hair must look a mess.” I reached into my bag for something to pull my hair back and found a barrette. I tried to smooth my hair back.

  He reached up and stopped me. “You look beautiful.”

  “I feel like it’s a wild mess.”

  He eased his fingers along the nape of my neck and up the back of my head. The heat of his fingers penetrated my scalp, sending a charge straight to my core. He gently combed through my hair with his fingers, arranging the curls on my shoulder. He stepped closer and I found myself mesmerized by his smile and gentleness as he repeated the move. He leaned in close and my heart started racing anticipating the feel of his lips against mine. He lifted my chin up and slowly lowered his mouth. A horn sounded and he pulled away.

  __________________________

  After stuffing ourselves with biscuits, gravy and scrambled eggs, we drove a little while. Phillippe covered my hand with his and it just felt right…comfortable.

  “I have a surprise for you,” Phillippe smiled.

  What could top this spontaneous date? Shortly after he made that announcement, we pulled off the main road and drove a little. We stopped at a big red and white barn, got out, walked inside, and I couldn’t believe what I saw.

  “How did you find a museum in the middle of nowhere?”<
br />
  “Let’s just say, the concierge earned her tip.” He smiled and winked.” We stopped at the information desk. “Phillippe Marchant, I booked a private tour.”

  “Your guide will be right with you.”

  “Thank you.”

  We walked around the bright gallery admiring the paintings while waiting for our tour guide.

  “Mr. Marchant,” the woman at the information desk called out.

  Phillippe walked over to the desk and I continued walking around. An interesting landscape caught my attention. I snapped a few pictures and continued walking around.

  I looked up and saw Phillippe walking towards me, and my body started to tremble. The closer he got the hotter my face felt. He stopped in front of me, slipped his hand around my waist and pulled me to his chest. With his other hand, he gently brushed my hair back, never breaking eye contact. He lowered his face to mine, and the exotic spices of his cologne framed the mood as he gently grazed my lips with his. Everything inside of me was on fire.

  “You’re beautiful.”

  He grabbed my lips between his, teasing and demanding more. The way the heat of his body mixed with his cologne was intoxicating and overwhelming. He gently glided his tongue along my bottom lip, teasing me even more. He pulled me closer and I could feel every muscle in his chest and thighs pressed against me. Breathing was becoming a challenge.

  Those lips I had been fantasizing about were grazing mine just enough, so that I could feel their softness. I opened my mouth slightly, giving him permission to take our kiss further and deeper.

  He covered my mouth with his and it was better than I had imagined. He tasted like ginger and honey. His warm tongue started a gentle dance with mine as it searched for that sweet spot. One hand moved down the small of my back pulling me deeper into his space, as his other hand buried itself in the thick curls on the back of my head.