Becoming Ms. Right Now (The Right Now Series Book 2) Page 8

  Just as I picked up my cell to send her a text, my office phone rang.

  “Davenport, here.” Work stuff. I half listened as one of my employees droned on about how the supplier for our high pH frictionless presoak detergent was giving him the run around on bulk pricing. “So, bottom line is, he’s telling you the costs have increased?”

  “Yes, sir,” he replied.

  “Call him back and tell him that for as much business as they get from us, they’ll grandfather us in to our previous pricing or we’ll yank our business out from under them faster than he can blink. And if he still doesn’t concede, talk to his supervisor, on up the line to his supervisor’s supervisor if necessary. If they still wanna play hardball, drop them. With the amount of purchasing we make we’ll find a supplier to accommodate. In fact, Dultmeier was pitching us a few months back. If Crans doesn’t care to honor our loyalty, screw them. They’re the ones who’ll lose out in the end. Anything else, Tommy?” My annoyance was with Tommy as much as it was with our supplier. I paid him a hefty salary to be able to handle situations such as these. If he needed my constant input on such mundane matters, what use was he to me?

  “No, sir, Mr. Davenport, sir.” I could hear the fear in his voice. Good. Maybe he’d learn to step out on the ledge and attempt to handle the next situation like this that arose on his own before calling me in on it.

  “Let me know how it turns out.” I hung up the phone and ran my fingers through my hair.

  I usually had more patience than this, but this was the third time he’d called me, in as many months, with issues. This business was supposed to be run like a well-oiled machine, all parts moving in conjunction. But when he couldn’t handle even the most menial things, it made me wonder why I was keeping him around.

  Truth be told it was because I felt bad for him; he had a wife at home with cancer, and two kids to feed and clothe. My heart went out to him in that respect. I just wanted him to show initiative. To reach down and grab his balls, make sure they were still there. Man up. I shook my head. As annoyed as I was, I knew I’d never put him out on the streets. I took a deep cleansing breath and packed up my briefcase. I told Laura good night, and headed out into the warm October night. I had already worked out this morning, so my night was completely free.

  Maybe Gemma would want to grab a bite to eat. I decided the best course of action was to deem this a friend with benefits situation. The only problem was, I’d never actually been friends with any of my previous hookups. Were the rules different when the hookup really was your friend? This was Gemma though. We’d always had a great time together. The fact that we were shagging, well, headed towards shagging, shouldn’t affect that. I started the engine, but was unsure of where I wanted to go.

  Before I could think any deeper on it my cell chimed.

  I smiled when I saw it was from Ella. It was a champagne bottle emoji and the words congrats!

  Yes! I looked to the heavens and let out a huge sigh. I hadn’t realized how bad I wanted this location until this very moment. “Sweet.” I text her back. “Thank you!”

  “We close in two weeks, Monday, as per your request. I’ll email you the address of the title company. The funds need to be there in the next twenty four hours. I’m also going to send over the SPDS for you to read and sign off on.”

  “Done.” I had done my due diligence with the numbers, but I hadn’t waived the inspections, so I needed to call my friend Matt at First Step Inspectors and get him out to the property. It was only a few years old, so most likely there was nothing he would find, but a smart investor covered his bases. Normally we’d have thirty days, but since I was closing in two weeks I needed his help asap. I shot off a text to Matt and asked him to let me know when he could fit me into his schedule in the next few days. Tonight, I’d make sure to go over the seller disclosure form that Ella was sending over with a fine-tooth comb. If something looked suspicious, it was nice to know there was always an out.

  Now it looked like I wouldn’t have time to take Gemma to dinner. Time was of the essence with any real estate deal, but especially with this one because of the quick close. Maybe it was for the best. It would give me a little more time to figure out exactly how this was supposed to work. This past weekend was amazing. Last night was amazing. She was amazing. And her little teach the teacher stunt last night was priceless. I laughed out loud thinking about it. She wasn’t laughing when we hung up though. I was certainly going to make good on that promise too. Oh, the plans I had for her. I started up my Beemer and headed for home.

  Shortly after I got there, Ella text that the disclosure, along with the title company address, was in my inbox. Even though everything was signed with a digital signature, I still printed it out so I could read every line. Everything looked great so I signed off and sent it back to her. Matt text me back and we set up the inspection for Thursday afternoon. I didn’t have to be there for it, but he knew I preferred it that way. I pulled out the numbers and ran them all again. I whistled as I worked and realized I was whistling Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah. Where on earth had that children’s song come from? I had no idea, but it was certainly fitting.

  Night had fallen and I was so focused on organizing everything that I would need for the closing, that I completely lost track of time. I made my way to the kitchen and opened my almost barren fridge. I had the option of some leftovers from only God knew when, mustard, wilted lettuce, moldy bread, and beer. I grabbed the beer and called for Chinese takeout. It was almost 9:00pm. I hadn’t talked to Gemma all day. I decided to text while I waited for my food to arrive.

  “How was your day?” Basic. Safe.

  I dropped to the couch and set my phone on the cushion next to me. I grabbed the remote off the table and clicked on the TV. This past weekend’s ASU game was playing, perfect since I had missed it live. I kicked my feet up on the ottoman and got comfortable. My cell chimed a minute later.

  “The morning was a little crazy but once that passed it was all good. Great, in fact. Busy. Exhausting. You?”

  “Same. How was your doctor appointment?” I really wanted to know if she had discussed our arrangement and what her doctor thought. I waited while the bubbles appeared.

  “It was really good. She helped me to see how far I’ve come and how strong I am.”

  “That’s great. But I could’ve told you that for free. You’re one of the strongest people I know.” I shot back.

  “Well, I’m finally starting to believe it. She also said she thought you were a great person to, and I quote, help me with my situation.” I smiled at that. So, she did tell her. I’m not going to lie, that her doctor was on board surprised me a little. Not that I didn’t think it was a good idea. I guess part of me thought she would try to change Gemma’s mind.

  “Glad to be of service. Besides, what’re friends for? What else have you been up to?”

  “I worked on those photos for my newly engaged couple some more. And set an appointment tomorrow afternoon for a potential new client. And I sat down and laid out some of the information for bringing in the boudoir photos.” She had been busy.

  “You’re gonna do it?” I typed out. I wasn’t really surprised anymore. Before this past weekend’s events I was a little shocked, but it was like a whole new sexually confident woman had emerged and had taken my shy, easy to embarrass friends place.

  “I’m still working out all the kinks.” I started to chuckle at her choice of words and bubbles popped up again. “Pun not intended.”

  I laughed loudly at how well she knew me. I was still laughing when the door buzzed. My mouth watered like Pavlov’s dog. I didn’t realize I was so hungry until that very moment.

  “Sure it wasn’t. Seriously though. Let me know if I can help you with anything.” I quickly typed out my response and tossed the phone back onto the couch, before heading to answer the door.

  The food smelled amazing. I tipped the guy well and headed back to the living room. Orange chicken and crab rangoon. And of course, the customa
ry egg roll. I didn’t allow myself to eat garbage food often, but this was one of my Achilles’ heels. I unwrapped my chopsticks and dug in. By the time I finished stuffing my face, I realized I hadn’t heard back from Gemma. I picked my phone back up and saw that I missed a text from her. She must’ve sent it while I was answering the door.

  “I might take you up on that.”

  “Sounds like we’re both busy the next few days. What’re your plans for Friday?” I knew she was busy tomorrow and I didn’t know how long I was going to be tied up with that inspection Thursday. I also knew the next time we got together I wanted to be able to take my time with her and spend the night with her in my arms. I wasn’t usually big on sleepovers, but waking up with her last Saturday had felt right. I was so lost in my daydream I again missed her response.

  “I have a date with a really hot guy.”

  What? I thought we had agreed to exclusivity during this month. My finger hovered over the letter board on my phone.

  “I’m just waiting for him to ask me.” Popped up seconds later.

  You idiot. She means you.

  “Well, if I am the hot guy to which you are referring, would you like to go out Friday? Dinner and a movie?”

  “Sounds perfect. You pick the restaurant and I pick the movie. Just let me know what to wear for dinner. I’m beat, I’m hitting the sack. Text ya tomorrow. Night.”

  “Night.” I pictured her climbing into bed, sliding naked between her sheets. I had no clue if she slept naked or not, but I liked to imagine that she did. Hopefully, come Friday, I’d have my answer.

  13

  Gemma

  The next two days flew by. My prospective appointment was a success and I gained a new client. We set up the photo shoot for a few weeks out. I was able to send the tweaked proofs to Katy and Aaron and their order was in my inbox when I woke up this morning. They chose some of my faves. Now, all I had to do was send them to my photo lab for print.

  I sat in front of the computer and debated on what else I needed to consider for branching out into boudoir. So far, I was going to need at least a couple thousand dollars, and that only covered items like back drops, lighting and a business starter kit. The starter kit looked pretty cool, it had a few pose books and marketing info specific to boudoir photos.

  I still needed to purchase some lingerie and accessories, furniture, props and photo friendly makeup. According to my calculations I was probably going to be somewhere in the ten to fifteen thousand range by the time it was up and running. Thankfully, I had been setting money aside for a long time. As much as dipping into my savings would suck, hopefully it would be worth every penny. Plus, I wanted to find a space to rent that was in a fairly high traffic area, some place I’d get great exposure, that was more money on top of everything else. Even with all the output of funds, the thought of actually doing it was exciting.

  Stressful, but exciting.

  I was glad I was independent enough to be able to do something like this and support myself while doing it. I felt myself smiling and shaking my head. I really have become a strong woman. I wasn’t sure when it had happened, but I was glad that it had.

  I was still smiling when my phone chimed with a text message. I snagged my cell off my desk and my smile grew even larger at the text awaiting me.

  Baz: Good morning, beautiful. Ready for tonight? I know I am. :)

  “I think so. What’s dinner attire?” I text back.

  I watched as the bubbles popped up. “You don’t need to worry about it.”

  “Uh, yeah, I kinda do. As much as you might like me to, I’m not gonna go out naked, Baz.” I laughed as I shot off my response.

  “You’re right, I would like that. What movie did you pick?” He was avoiding my question. Bastard.

  “I didn’t yet.” I was short with my reply. “Guess we both get to be surprised tonight.” I smirked thinking about how much he liked to be in the know.

  “Ok, so be it. I’ll pick you up around five.” Shit, I thought he’d take the bait. What the hell was I going to wear?

  “Wait, you’re really not going to give me a clue on what I should wear?”

  I waited anxiously for a response, suddenly nervous. What the hell? When none came, I got irritated. Fucker. Well, I guess I’d just have to make sure I looked hot as shit tonight.

  I quickly shut down my computer and ran to look through my closet. I felt like a girl from a movie as I stood there literally holding up each piece in front of me and then pitched item after item from my closet in disgust. For as many clothes as I had, none of them were good enough for tonight. Tonight was going to be a big night. The big night. At least I hoped it was.

  An hour later, I was standing in my room surrounded by large piles of clothing, feeling hopeless. I knew I was going to have to rehang each and every piece. I sighed in annoyance, grabbed my purse and keys, shoved my feet in my flip flops, and decided another shopping trip was in order. I almost ran over a delivery guy as I yanked my front door open to leave.

  “Oh!” My hand flew to my chest in shock. He nearly stumbled off my front porch as he stepped back in surprise. “Sorry about that.” I arched a brow and cocked my head to the side as I looked at the large box in his hands.

  “Are you Gemma Montgomery?” He finally spit out after staring at me for what seemed like an eternity, but in reality, was only probably two or three seconds.

  “Ah, yep. That would be me.”

  He handed me a clipboard with a pen attached, “Can you sign here for me?”

  I signed and handed it back, as he passed me the large box. “Have a great day.” He turned and walked away before I could say anything more.

  I turned and went back inside, kicking my door shut behind me. There was a card on top. I tugged it off and tore it open.

  “Precious, here’s a little something for you for tonight. Please make sure to wear everything I have packed for you with your sexiest skinny jeans. See you soon.”

  No wonder he was being so evasive. Now I felt like a bitch for getting pissed. Fucker. I laughed at my inner dialogue and took the box to my bedroom. I kicked my piled-up clothing to the side, set the gift on the bed and slipped it open.

  I peeled back the tissue paper to reveal a light rose gold/coppery halter top, that had fringe that hung from the bodice to below the bottom hem. I pulled it from the box and held it in front of me in the mirror. The color was the right shade to make my blue eyes pop. I turned to set it down and looked to see what else was nestled in the tissue. There was a pair of beautiful dangly earrings to match and a pair of metallic point toed stilettos, both in rose gold. I had never worn point toed heels before, but these looked kick-ass. I slipped them on and was amazed that they were a perfect fit. I felt like Cinderella.

  I bit my lip and saw there was still something in the box. It was smaller and wrapped in its own special tissue paper. I pulled it out and gently plucked off the sticker. Inside was a lacey, shimmery gold, halter-top like bra, size 34D, and a matching thong, both Agent Provocateur and stunning.

  These must have cost a fortune. I stripped and slipped the bra on, turning to the mirror. My tits looked amazing. I grabbed them and released them. I thought about last Sunday and what we did in front of this mirror and felt wetness pool between my thighs. I glanced at the time, only 12:41pm. I looked at my nightstand, the one that my rabbit lived in, and contemplated taking care of myself. I had resisted the last two days though, so I talked myself off the ledge and decided to wait until tonight for Baz.

  However, a little torture might not be a bad thing. I grabbed my cell and took a selfie of myself blowing him a kiss and my tits encased in the gold undergarment he had just sent me.

  “I understand what you meant earlier about me not needing to worry about what to wear.” I attached the pic and hit send.

  His response was instant. “Give me a heads up when you’re gonna send a text like that and I’m at work, would ya??”

  Uh oh, was he angry?

  My
finger hovered over my phone, trying to decide what to text back. Then the bubbles popped up again. “Fuck, Gem. I had to step out of a meeting and shut myself in my office so I could drool over your pic. Your tits look amazing. I can’t wait to get them in my hands and in my mouth.”

  This was more like the response I was expecting. I bit my lip as I started texting back. “I can’t wait for that either.” I was even wetter now. “I’m already wet just thinking about it.” I hit send before I could change my mind.

  “Now, I’m sitting here at my desk with another hard on. Maybe I should pick you up earlier? Or I could swing by and have you as a pre-dinner appetizer.”

  “Anticipation, and all that jazz, be damned? I think I can wait. ;) You do know what they say about anticipation, right?” I smirked at my sassy retort.

  “I’m gonna enjoy fucking that smart mouth of yours tonight.”

  “Technically, that came out of my fingers, not my mouth.” I giggled out loud as I hit send.

  “I plan on fucking those too.” His words shot through my system and my breath caught. “I hope you didn’t make any plans for this weekend. I’ve got an itinerary in place and it involves us spending most of it in bed.”

  Tonight really was going to be the big night.

  14

  Baz

  I adjusted myself again as I sat behind my desk admiring the picture my precious girl had just sent me. I knew she’d look amazing in the lingerie. I had never sent a woman clothing before. In fact, I had never shopped for a woman before. I had occasionally bought something for a woman when we were out together, but I never really cared enough to make the effort.

  I know, I’m an asshole.

  Gemma was different though. My best friend deserved to feel special, because she was special. I couldn’t wait to see her. This had been such a long week. My inspection went great though, so that was one box I could check off the to-do list.