All Good Things(24)

I turned my back to her as I reached into the cupboard for a small vase. I filled it with water, added a spoonful of sugar into the liquid before dropping the flower into the vase. "I was not planning on calling him." I stated. "But, I will admit, I think he's interesting."

Trisha looked frustrated. "I just don't want you to get hurt."

"I can take care of myself, Trisha." I said, as I walked to the hall. I wanted this flower on my nightstand. Moo-moo followed me into my bedroom meowing as I closed the door behind us. He jumped up on my bed, and stretched, before curling up into a tight little ball. I set the vase and letter on my nightstand before I wandered into the bathroom to get ready to start what I felt was, certainly, going to be a long day.

***

I stepped into the summer sun wearing a loose-fitted purple satin sleeveless shirt tucked into a black pencil skirt. I carried my laptop in a bag over my shoulder and started walking in the direction of my shop. My heels clicked on the sidewalk as I cursed New York fashion...and, it was not the first time.

"Miss LeRoux?" A male voice called out and I turned, locating the man who'd delivered my flower earlier this morning. Why was he waiting outside my condo?

I frowned, as moved across the sidewalk. "Can I help you?"

"I work for Mr. Rush." He quickly explained. "And, he has instructed I drive you wherever you would like to go."

My brows rose so high on my forehead I was certain they touched my hairline. What was wrong with Jace? Seriously, just last night he had left me so hot and bothered I couldn't get a good nights sleep, and now, he was sending me flowers and cars. This was simply unacceptable.

"I'm sorry for your trouble sir, but I'm not getting into that car." I gestured to the white Audi SUV that sat parked at the curb.

The mans face tensed as he slid his hand into his pocket. Oh. My. God. Was he seriously going to force me into the car at gun-point? I debated on bolting down the sidewalk but was halted when a phone appeared. I sighed, in relief, and the man frowned at my obvious distress, as he tapped the screen and placed the phone against his ear.

"She will not accept the ride, Sir." He paused and my mouth popped open in shock. He was tattling on me? To Jace? This couldn't be happening! It was absurd. "Yes, Sir." He nodded and I folded my arms over my chest, as I waited for the phone conversation to come to a close. I should just walk away, but I was curious. "Of course, Sir." He hung up the phone and looked at me determinedly.

"What?" I asked.

"Lead the way, Miss. LeRoux." He waved his hand in the direction I had been traveling before he had, so rudely, interrupted my day with Jace's unnerving demands.

"Excuse me?" I asked as politely as possible.

"I am to follow you, Miss-,"

I shook my head sharply. "Stop calling me Miss. LeRoux! I'm twenty-two for goodness sakes, not fifty."

"I'm sorry." He apologized gruffly and I huffed, tapping my toe in irritation as I tried, relentlessly, to think up a way to mess with Jace's plans for me.

I settled my hands on my hips, trying to make myself appear intimidating. "You're not walking me to work."

"I'm sorry, Olivia." He said. "But I am."

"This is harassment. I could have you charged." I threatened.

His lips twitched, but he didn't smile. "Mr. Rush donates exceptional amounts to the New York City Police department. I do not think they would offend him, so much as, to slap a harassment charge against him."

My mouth dropped. Was this for real? "You can't be serious?"

"I don't lie."

I was grasping at straws. "But you joke...you're joking, right?"

He looked at me as though I had fallen and hit my head. "No Olivia, I'm not joking."

"Well, I'll be damned."

"Pardon?"

I held up a finger. "Will you excuse me a moment? I forgot something inside."

I didn't wait for his response as I darted back inside the lobby of my condo. When I was certain I was out of sight, I fished through my bag for my phone. The instant I located it, I dialed a number and listened to it ring.

"Hello?" A deep male voice sounded through the phone and I smiled.

"Hi, Trey." I said. "It's Olivia. Would you mind picking me up from my condo today, if it's not too much of an inconvenience?" I asked before adding in a sweet voice. "I'll buy you a coffee."

He laughed. "I'm on my way. I should be there in a few minutes."

"Thank you."

"Anytime." He hung up and I grinned at my quick thinking.

Zero for Jace. One for Olivia, I thought, as I leaned against the wall for another minute before walking back out into the sun. The man was still waiting by the Audi and I realized I hadn't asked for his name. Since I figured he would, more than likely, be harassing me, I should at least get his name.