In Anyone Else's Shoes (3 page)

Emma watched Jason’s lips move as he spoke and she wanted to interrupt him, wanted to support him, wanted to kiss him. She bet she knew what could turn him on more than his three-card monte business. Focus, she ordered herself. Do not even go there! He was so gorgeous and so hot that Emma had to take a casual step backward, hoping to cool her brewing wetness.

‘Anyway, I guess that explains the Jag. I love to drive, and I’m fortunate enough to get to drive pretty much anything I want. And, so you know, I got this job on my own – no family influence – just my business degree, a long résumé, and me. Now, how about dinner tonight? I have to leave town early tomorrow, and, you know, I’d like to spend some more time with you.’

He looked down again when he asked. What was up with that? He waited patiently for Emma’s response. Confusion set in again. She knew she could not accept his invitation. If it were a business meeting, sure, she’d go. But he made it clear that he wanted to get to know her better. And he seemed so shy, so un-Jason like when he said this, she could only assume dinner was a tactic for something else. He turned Emma on, of course, just like he turned Bailey, Jan and Rachel on – and any other girl with eyes. But he was only 24! Emma was not closed to having someone new in her life, but she needed to be realistic – not that she was certain he was even interested.

‘I can’t, Jason. I really appreciate the offer, but I’ve already made plans for tonight. Maybe next time you’re in town?’

‘Sure, sure, no problem. Now listen, I want you to consider the Tucson offer. I really think it could be a smart step for you.’

Emma nodded, reassured that the offer was still on the table, should she want it. She was thankful Jason had so effortlessly slipped back to business mode.

She was considering how to best articulate an inventory status question for Jason, when Ty’s Prius slipped stealthily into the space next to the Jag. Before he even stepped out of the car, he was eyeing his ex with a calculating glare.

‘Ty! I almost forgot you were picking me up today. I’ll just be a few more minutes, OK?’ Emma flushed with embarrassment from the sudden distraction.

‘You did ask me to do this, remember? Your car is at the tyre store? I’m taking you to pick it up?’ Ty spoke as if he’d had an abysmal day.

‘Ty, I want you to meet my new Regional Vice President, Jason Eastman. Jason, this is my friend – and roommate – Ty Anders.’ Emma stared hard at her ex, signalling him to not be such a jerk.

‘Pleasure to meet you, Ty.’ Jason extended his hand. ‘Emma, I’d be happy to take you to your car if you’d like. We can continue our discussion on the way, and Ty can get on with his day.’

‘That’s OK … Jason. I promised Emma I would take her to pick up her car, and I’m here, so, that’s what I’m going to do. I can wait.’ Ty crossed his arms and stood his ground.

‘Seriously, Ty. Emma and I need to wrap up a conversation we were having. It’s not a problem at all.’ Jason stopped short of shooing Ty away with a wave of his arm.

‘She’s coming with me. Do you want to get your things, Emma?’

Both men looked at Emma, waiting for her to break the deadlock. Ty glared, Jason smiled. What was going on? Emma could almost smell the testosterone as it dribbled from their pores. They were arguing over her?

Paired side by side, the distinction between Ty and Jason was striking. Ty was solid-thick, a modern-day Viking, preoccupied with winning. Jason was modern-day gorgeous, lean, strong, calm, and maybe just a smidge cocky. But Emma wasn’t involved with either one of them, at least not in a covetous, provoke a gunfight way.

‘Sorry Ty, I didn’t mean to step between you two. She’s all yours.’ Jason lowered the temperature about 20 degrees with his words. ‘Emma, I will talk to you soon. We need to discuss your back stock of Weitzmans.’ He smiled as he left.

*               *               *

Sleep wasn’t coming easy for Emma. So many things were spinning through her head and, until she could sort through them, she wouldn’t be able to relax. Just a day earlier she had committed to moving on, finding a new company and a better opportunity. Then she met Jason and his unexpected offer of … not much. She needed to give him an answer, but wanted some time to think it through. She had heard about the new Tucson store before, and was pretty sure it was scheduled to open way down the road. She hoped this might buy her some time.

Emma was also struggling to make sense of her ex-boyfriend/roommate. His behaviour at the store earlier was out of line – not like the old Ty at all. But it wasn’t just today. He’d been acting out of character for a while now. He had evolved from boyfriend/lover, to friend/sex partner, to … what? She didn’t know. But his behaviour earlier smacked of jealousy – possessiveness even. She was only trying to conduct a business conversation –
mostly business
 – with her new boss. Did Jason’s good looks have anything to do with it? Ty seemed threatened by something, and Emma didn’t know what – or why.

Jason
was
good looking – grade-A fantasy-material good looking – but, as confident and passionate as he came across when he talked business, he was shy when things became personal. Although Emma found him to be amazingly sexy, with a biting, tasty sense of humour, she had to stop thinking of him as anything more than her boss; she was reading too much into his timid invitation to dinner. The last thing she wanted, or needed, in her life right now was a tease – a 24-year-old, hot as hell tease.

In the meantime, Emma was still struggling to relax. Just lying in bed waiting for sleep to come wasn’t going to cut it, so she considered her options. A glass of wine? A little Steely Dan on the iPod?
A good fuck?
Up until recently, that would have been as easy to acquire as reaching in the closet for a blouse – just down the hall, first door on the right. But now things had changed. Ty had suddenly become remote, yet confrontational.

Emma’s interest in Ty had long ago slipped from romantic to purely physical. She assumed the relationship had now dropped to another level. She could feel it in their most recent conversations, and she could see it in his behaviour. Emma was fine with that. In fact, it made her life easier. There were lots of expectations when they were a couple, a few expectations when they were special friends, and now, about all she wanted from him was a promise to put his dirty dishes in the dishwasher.

Emma’s libido had been pecked at and trampled on – a lot – the last couple days. She was desperate for some relief, but, regrettably, didn’t have a stockpile of men stashed in her dresser. An indecent image of Alyssa suddenly swirled through her head. She jerked from her bed, spitting out a mouse-like squeal.

Lying back down, Emma scanned the dark room, sighing as she tucked a thin sheet under her chin. A playful smile stretched across her face, the tension that had marked her day easing as her thoughts shifted. Alyssa, and her boy toys – hmmm … Her hand slid down her leg, and she softly, and mockingly, touched herself to assure everything was still there, and still worked. She wriggled out of her panties, leaving them under the sheet by her toes. Two fingers entered her mouth, and she sucked them in deep. Her sloppy tongue toyed with them, and she pictured Cal and Jake and their hard, steely bodies, and she sucked harder. She removed the wet fingers from her mouth and sent them down under the sheet, to her other lips. Her fingertips slipped low between her folds, then traced slowly towards her clit, gently massaging as they crawled up the steamy path.

Cal and Jake were gone now, replaced by Jason. One man, one young, hot, strong, clever man, pressing his weight against her. Emma breathed him in, memories of fresh ginger and cedarwood conjured by her mind. She reached for the down-filled pillow next to her and brought it to her chest. But now it was Jason’s cool body, and she could touch him, stroke him. She caressed his face and strummed her fingers through his thick, brown hair. He was still atop her, but she had other thoughts.

Pinning the pillow beneath her, Emma wrapped her arms around it and pushed it further down, until it was wedged tight to her slit. She pictured Jason’s lean frame, and she held him steady under her. Sitting up and straddling him, she slowly began to slide down his length. She found the perfect rhythm, the perfect pressure, and the perfect angle, and she worked him up and down, over and over. He was hot against her clit, rubbing and rubbing, and she gripped harder and began springing up and down over him. Her sturdy thighs clenched tight, and she was not going to let him go. And then he gave her what she had craved for so long. Emma buried her head in the sheets and cried out in ecstasy.

When her orgasm subsided and she was spent, she released the pillow from between her thighs and replaced it with a cupped hand. She kneaded herself gently and, after several deep breaths, she fell asleep.

Chapter Four

‘Emma, there’s someone on line two for you. He wouldn’t give a name – sorry. But he sounds … dreamy. Sorry again if it’s someone I shouldn’t be talking about like that. Maybe if he was …’

‘I get it, Jan. I’ve got a phone call. Thanks – now scoot! We’ve got customers.’ Emma lifted the phone and pressed the flashing light. She started to talk, but the receiver slipped from her hand like a wet bar of soap, landing on the floor of her office and cartwheeling out of reach. ‘Hi, this is Emma Green, how may I …?’

‘I’m pretty sure I don’t want to know what just happened, but I have to ask: are you OK?’

‘Oh hi, Jason. Sorry, the phone just slipped out of my hand for some reason. Everything I touch becomes a banana peel. I can’t really explain …’

‘It’s not a problem, Emma. Anyway, how’s business today?’

‘We had a great morning, but it’s slowed somewhat. We’ll make our day, don’t worry.’

‘I’m not worried at all. In fact, if that young lady in the pink shorts buys those Louboutin pumps she’s trying on, you’ll have made your week.’

‘What?’ Emma peeked out her door and spied Rachel chumming up a cute girl in pink shorts. ‘Where are you?’

‘Just watching your staff do their thing. You’ve trained them very well, Ms Green.’

Emma crossed the sales floor, searching for her boss. She found him loosely unfurled on a couch by the entryway, dressed in a light-coloured blazer, striped, open-collared shirt and comfortable jeans. Delicious.

‘So, you’re a surprise visit sort of boss, huh?’ Emma placed her hands on her hips as a crooked smile ran across her face. ‘I guess I should expect to see you every two weeks now?’

‘Actually, I suppose you’ll be seeing me more often than that.’

‘Why? Keeping a close eye on your clumsy managers? I promise I’ve never broken any company property – pretty much.’ In the two weeks since his first visit, Jason had called Emma every day to discuss sales trends, personnel issues, upcoming promotions and just about anything business-y he could think of. But he hadn’t brought up Tucson, and he hadn’t pressed Emma on her decision to relocate. She had a hunch that’s where this conversation was headed.

‘Yes, I think I need to keep a closer eye on you, Emma. We can’t keep buying new display fixtures for your store.’

‘That was an accident. And who would have thought a metal rack like that could snap so easily?’

‘You are adorable. And I say that purely as a casual observation.’ Jason turned to face the display window briefly, then looked back at Emma. ‘Anyway, the real reason I’ll be seeing more of you is that I’ve moved out of the home office. I’ve leased a condo in Scottsdale.’

Emma’s head crowded quickly with thoughts – most of them good.

‘I don’t understand,’ she said, trying to get her mind back on business. ‘This is a two-store market. Why would you want to relocate here?’

‘It’s two stores for now,’ Jason replied, ‘but we’ve got big plans for Arizona, and I think it’s important for me to be close to all the activity. Besides, you wouldn’t be bothered if I spent more time in your store, would you?’

‘Of course not. My store is your store! Actually, it is your store, so, sure, we’d love to see more of you.’ Emma could sense blood rushing to her cheeks. He’s so young and seemingly innocent, she reminded herself. Cut it out!

‘Well, good then! I’m really going to need your help, if you don’t mind. I’ve moved some of my things to the condo already, but it’s a very large space, and … I’m really no good at decorating. I was hoping to steal your talents for a few hours. Could you come take a look and give me some advice? We’ll do this during the day, of course. It’s company business, after all.’

‘Excuse me, I hate to interrupt – hi, Mr Eastman!’ Jan had sidled up to Emma, who was startled by the sudden outburst. ‘Emma, Alyssa’s on line one for you?’

‘Tell her I’ll call her back in a few minutes …’

‘No, no, go ahead and take the call,’ Jason insisted. ‘Listen, here’s the address – just a few blocks from here – see you in an hour?’

Before she could respond, Jason was out the door. Emma padded to her office, head spinning, heart racing. By the time she picked up the phone, her mouth had become desert dry.

‘Hi, Alyssa – what’s up?’

‘Em-Em! How’s my favourite girlfriend? Are you guys busy today? We’re totally slow. I think I’m heading out early.’

‘You might not want to do that today, just in case.’

‘In case of what? Are all the women in Phoenix ovulating for a pair of kitten heels this afternoon and they didn’t tell me?’

‘Ha! That’s a pretty good one for a change. No, our boss is in town, and just in case he pops in, you might want to be there.’

‘Like he’s ever been to my store? I still haven’t met the guy. Has he been to
your
store today, Ms Em?’

‘He just left. You won’t believe this. He wants me to …’

‘What? He wants you to what?’

‘Never mind. Anyway, he’s in town. He told me he just moved here. Can you imagine?’

‘Aah, my little Em-Em has a suitor. That is soo cute! So tell me, is he as hot as he sounds?’

‘You’re full of it, Alyssa. The man is almost ten years younger than me – he’s more interested in dating a sorority girl than someone my age. And he’s really shy, at least when it comes to … things outside the business. I’m not really into timid types, and it’s not what you think. Sorry to burst your bubble.’

‘I think he gives you a semi, that’s what I think. And here’s something to chew on – besides Jason. Don’t you find it unusual that he’s never been to my store?’

‘OK, that’s enough, Miss Alyssa. You can go home now. I’ve got some things I need to take care of. Bye.’

‘Make sure you take really good care of those things! OK, hon. Muah!’

Emma stared at her wall of clipboards for a minute, not really looking at anything. Why
would
Jason ask her to help with something personal, like picking out furniture? Maybe he was simply incapable of buying anything as personality defining as a couch, she thought. Maybe since he was new to town, he just wanted to make a friend – not an unheard-of concept. Maybe he was helpless when it came to making any kind of personal decision. Maybe he was interested in getting to know her better.

Her options were limited, and she knew it. She could pretend her conversation with Jason never happened. That would probably be the best option.

Emma levered the handle of her office door a bit and snuck a peek at the sales floor. The only customer was at the cash desk, purchasing two very expensive pairs of shoes from Rachel. There goes my “we had too many customers for me to feel comfortable leaving the store” excuse, she thought.

After ten minutes of internal squabbling, Emma decided that she was making a big deal out of nothing. It was, after all, just helping the young man pick out a couple of chairs and maybe a throw rug. That’s all he asked of her – nothing more.

‘Jan, I’m leaving a little early today. I will see you kids tomorrow.’ Emma spoke while awkwardly studying herself in front of one of the store’s full-length mirrors.

‘Sure, Emma!
I
would have left 20 minutes ago. Good luck!’ Jan threw her boss a giant cartoon wink and then watched her flub her first attempt at opening the front door.

‘Hey, I was thinking you might not show – I wouldn’t have blamed you. I guess I left a little abruptly. Come in, come in!’ Jason flashed his shimmering smile as he swung the door wide for Emma.

‘Yeah, our whole last conversation was a bit … unexpected. Anyway, sorry I’m a little late. I needed to wrap a couple things up before I could leave the store.’

‘That’s one of the things I love about you, Emma. You’re so dedicated. Let me get you something to drink – you name it.’

One of the things he loved about her? ‘I’ll just have whatever it is you’re drinking. It looks yummy!’

‘Fruit smoothie with a little protein powder. If you like, I can ditch the powder and throw in a little vodka. You’re off the clock – don’t be shy.’

‘Um, that’s OK. Just the way you made yours, please.’ Emma thought it a bit ironic that he considered her the shy one.

‘Come with me. I’ll show you the kitchen.’

Emma trailed behind Jason through his sizable condo, skirting by an already well-furnished living room and a formal dining room drenched in teak and glass. The soft, jazzy sounds of Steely Dan resonated from seemingly everywhere.

They snaked down a narrow hallway, and Emma realised as she was pulling her thoughts together that it was the first time she’d seen Jason without a blazer. A soft, earth tone T-shirt had replaced his open-collared shirt, and she could tell by the way the sleeves hung just above his carved triceps that it fit him very nicely. Her eyes dropped further and locked onto Jason’s perfectly shaped, denim-covered ass. She swallowed hard after shadowing him six more steps.

‘Well, here we are,’ Jason announced, turning to face her. ‘Strawberries, blueberries and banana sound good?’

‘Everything looks great,’ Emma replied, unaware her tongue had slipped.

Jason flashed a curious look her way, and then went about constructing her smoothie.

Emma knew Jason was a well-built guy, but she had no idea just how well until now. His abs rippled beneath his shirt in small waves, and when his arms angled in, his biceps puckered with authority.

But what really piqued Emma’s libidinous interest was Jason’s butt. His ass had to have been swiped from a Michelangelo statue in Florence, she thought – perfectly contoured and begging to be fondled.

‘I love the music you’re playing. Steely Dan is one of my favourite bands.’ Emma was anxious to break the uncomfortable silence. ‘Actually,
Josie
is my all-time favourite song. It’s a little surprising that someone your age would be into classic rock.’

‘I
am
a grown-up, Emma,’ he replied with a smirk. ‘I’m allowed to enjoy grown-up things, aren’t I? Besides, I had a feeling this was the kind of music you’d like, and I wanted to make you comfortable. Here, try your smoothie.’ Jason approached Emma, extending his arm towards her. His hand consumed most of the surface of the glass, and she had no choice but to brush her fingers against his as they made the exchange.

‘Would you like a cupcake?’ Jason inched closer as he asked, his eyes averting hers. ‘I have peanut butter chocolate, or dark chocolate. Take one of each – they’re small.’

‘Seriously? Cupcakes?’

‘Don’t worry, I didn’t bake them.’

‘No, no, I didn’t mean … Why would you think I liked cupcakes?’

‘Don’t all women like them? At least the beautiful, smart ones?’ Jason turned brusquely towards the counter, seemingly to avoid her response.

‘Jason.’ Emma paused to collect her thoughts. ‘I was wondering about all this furniture; your condo is full of amazing pieces. I thought you wanted me to help you furnish this place, but it’s already … perfect.’

‘I didn’t ask you here as a ruse to spend some alone time with you. I suppose my furniture is fine, but I really need some help decorating. Take a look at these empty walls.’

Emma’s heart sank a little with his words. The yo-yo that was high in the sky a moment ago had now dropped back to the floor. Beautiful? Smart? Decorator? Which was it? Her eyes scanned the hand-trowelled, sand dollar-coloured walls, which were, for the most part, unadorned. She could see, however, through the arched doorway to the kitchen, a corner of one wall that had already been spoken for. Moving closer for a better look, she realised it was more than just the corner.

Mounted on brackets and spanning the length of the room was an impressive collection of guitars: acoustics, electrics, and some that looked to be a combination of both. Jason edged next to Emma and gazed at the wall of instruments alongside her. She peeked sideways and glimpsed him stroking his chin as if he were deep in thought. Hmmm, she mused. I bet those fingers could really work some magic on those strings – or any strings.

‘So, this wall’s not too empty,’ Emma said with a sprinkle of sarcasm. ‘You must be pretty good.’

‘If you’re talking about playing guitar, no, not really. I play a little, but mostly I guess I just collect them.’

‘Play something for me? Please?’

‘Maybe some other time. So, do you think you could help me dress these walls up a bit?’

‘I don’t know why you’d trust me. I’m more likely to trip into one and put a dent in it than I am to make it look good.’

‘That’s pretty funny. I have a lot of confidence that I’ll be very content with your choices. If I have to repair a wall or two, no big deal.’

‘How could you be content, Jason? I barely have a clue as to what you might like.’

‘I guess you’ll have to get to know me better then, huh? Oh, speaking of getting to know about things, I would love it if you could show me around town. I’m pretty lost here.’

‘Is this just another ploy to take me to dinner?’ Emma looked hard into his eyes, daring him to look away. She could see him trying to hang tough, but some power, some force,
his shyness
, wrested his attention to the floor.

‘That’s an excellent idea, Emma. I’m a horrible explorer and could use a great tour guide. We’ll start with the best restaurants.’

‘I’ll think about it. Actually, maybe there’s someone I know who would want to show you around. In fact, I’m sure I could fix you up with the perfect guide.’ Off the top of her head, Emma could think of a dozen girls who would gladly donate a day, a week, or a lifetime helping this dreamboat navigate his way.

‘I think you’d be perfect, if you don’t mind. Does your reluctance have something to do with Ty?’

Ty hadn’t been anywhere near Emma’s thoughts for a while now. He mostly resided in the attic of her soul, stuffed in a box with a few other exes. Her reluctance had more to do – everything to do – with Jason. He
had
been in her thoughts lately – a lot. And now, after seeing how he lived and seeing how perceptive and considerate he was, and seeing him out of his work uniform, she knew she’d be thinking of him even more.

‘Ty’s just my roommate, Jason. He can be a bit of a jackass sometimes, I suppose. That’s the Ty you met.’