Page 30 of Completely Captivated
They had never gotten along under normal circumstances, but their relationship made sense where business was concerned.Their parents had encouraged their joint venture and, even though Aaron inwardly cringed at the thought, he gave in to make them proud.When his good looks and natural charm won over even the most beautiful models and clients, he realized his gifts were more than lucrative.Lance’s chosen profession was a huge plus for all their contract and representation agreements.
When they started their business with less than nothing to their names, Aaron was glad to have a partner who was responsible and dependable.The more successful they became, the more demanding Lance became.He was convinced Aaron would tarnish their good reputation with his manwhoring ways and drag their business down.That was the topic of the majority of their arguments.
Now Lance was actually pushing him to do just the opposite.He was seriously encouraging Aaron to fraternize with the models in San Diego.Isn’t this ironic?He changes his mind when I have absolutely no interest in it, Aaron thought to himself.
“This client is important, Aaron.This could set us for life.”Lance spoke slowly as if Aaron didn’t understand plain English and without trying to disguise his annoyance.
“We’re already set for life, Lance.What more could you possibly want?”Aaron snapped.
“There’s always more, Aaron.Don’t be naïve.”Lance stood and walked to Aaron’s door.“A week from today, you’d better be on that flight to San Diego.Barbara has your travel itinerary.”
After he had last word, Lance left Aaron standing in the middle of his office fuming mad and disgusted with himself as much as he was with Lance.Aaron briefly considered the consequences of quitting his own company.How would I even do that?Turn in a two-week notice to myself?Aaron thought dismally.He felt like a caged animal, trapped against his will and against his better judgment.One thought got him through the day without just quitting his job, his company, and his brother—Christa.
The smell of coffee and sweets assailed his senses as soon as he walked into the café, but it was the sight of Christa that stirred his hunger.She was helping an elderly lady to a nearby table, trying to balance coffee and a brownie in one hand while the little lady walked slowly, leaning on Christa for help and talking nonstop.
Aaron rushed to her side to take the lady’s order before Christa dropped it.Just as the plate started to tip, Aaron grabbed it and smiled at a stunned Christa when she looked up at him.Aaron placed the items on the table and pulled the chair out for the customer to sit.
“My hero,” Christa said, wrapping her arms around his waist and pulling herself close into him.“You got here just in the nick of time.”
He smiled against the top of her head.“Your hero?Now that’s a title I could definitely get used to hearing.”
“Mrs.Cushing, this is Aaron.Aaron, this is Delilah Cushing.She owns most of this block, and she’s my landlord.She’s also the sweetest lady I’ve ever met,” Christa said while moving to Delilah and putting her arm around her shoulders.Delilah’s face lit up, and her wrinkled hands moved to wrap around Christa’s arm affectionately.
“Don’t believe her for a second, young man.I’m old, crafty, and I’m not one to be trifled with.She just met me on a good day,” Delilah countered impishly, but her love for Christa was obvious to Aaron.
Christa kissed Delilah on the cheek and told her she’d check on her later.Delilah watched Aaron as he followed Christa behind the counter.Her keen eyes had seen plenty over the years, and when she looked at Aaron, she saw a young man head over heels in love.Delilah wasn’t kidding when she said she wasn’t one to be trifled with—and she would defend those she loved with all her considerable might.
Christa had earned her favor when, without knowing who the older woman was, she had helped Delilah when no one else even noticed her.From that moment, Delilah considered Christa as her own granddaughter and secretly helped her.She knew Christa was too proud to accept any handouts, so her craftiness came in handy on more than one occasion.
She smiled to herself when she thought about how this fully furnished café suddenly became available at an unheard-of low cost for the prime real estate.The area it was in justified at least three times the amount Christa was currently paying for it, but Delilah wanted to repay a kindness with a kindness.She had convinced Christa by renting the space she was doing Delilah a favor, helping an old lady out with overhead expenses.Delilah didn’t need the money, though Christa had no idea who she was.Delilah took the monthly payment Christa always made on time and put it in a special savings account.Someone needed to look out for Christa, and Delilah reasoned she should be the one to do it.
She watched Aaron with her adopted granddaughter, pleased to consider that maybe Christa had found someone else to care for her and love her.He worked tirelessly by her side, helping to fill orders, learning to run the register, and restocking the pastry case.He never complained and rarely took his eyes off Christa.When Delilah stood to leave, Aaron offered his arm to help her to the door.
“May I have this walk?”Aaron joked as he extended his arm to her.
“Why, yes, young man, you may!”Delilah answered jovially.
“Is someone picking you up, or do you need a ride somewhere?”
“My driver is waiting outside, but thank you for asking,” Delilah said while holding his arm.“You’re a good boy.I know you’ll be good to my girl over there.”
“Yes, ma’am, you don’t have to worry about that,” Aaron replied with a smile.
“Oh my feet!It’s been a long day!”Christa complained as they entered her apartment.
“I will gladly massage them for you, babe,” Aaron offered.
“I just may take you up on that.”She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him.
He bent so she could reach him better, then wrapped his arms around her and picked her up.He kicked the door shut with his foot, carried her to the couch, and laid her down while never removing his mouth from hers.His hands roamed over her body, over her clothes, taking time to memorize her every curve and plane.He broke off their kiss, sat back on his heels, and gently stroked her cheek with his hand.
He picked up her legs and sat on the couch, placing her feet on his lap.He removed her shoes and began massaging one foot, taking his time to help her relax.After a couple of minutes, she closed her eyes and moaned in appreciation.He massaged up her calf, the back of her knee, and finally her thigh.Instinctively, she spread her legs wider as his hand slid upward.He started over with the other foot, rubbing, massaging, and working his way up her leg.Her sighs and murmurs were intoxicating.Aaron wanted to keep going just to continue hearing her sweet sounds.
“Christa,” he said softly as his hands continued to work their magic.
“Hmm,” she muttered.
“I have to go out of town next Monday on business.I’ll be gone for two weeks.”He didn’t want to ruin their time together, but he couldn’t wait until the last minute to spring it on her.
