Reckless (5 page)

“My relationship with Jasper was nothing, Sean, and when I started to realize I wanted more than just sex, I told him it was over. He thought it was because I wanted to get married, so he proposed. It was not even about that, I wanted more than sex. I wanted to feel something and I didn’t for him. I didn’t tell you about it because I had practically forgotten about it. It was out of desperation, he knew I was going to quit and he didn’t want that. It wasn’t a proposal of marriage it was more like a business deal. I don’t hold onto things that don’t mean anything or have any importance in my life. You are what I hold onto, and Lillah, those few years of childhood I had with my mother …” She stands up shaking her head. “But if you prefer to sit here and steam over nothing and ruin our night together, then that is your problem - not mine.”

I rub my face and head. “I’m sorry Ava.” I said, growling my frustration. “I was caught off guard. I guess I had convinced myself that you had never been with anyone else but me, which has been easy with you. But knowing your past with him and then seeing him touch you and obviously still desiring you. Uuuggghhhh! And the way he acted, like he was sure he could easily get you back into bed with him.”

“That is his personality Sean, and you helped feed his ego with all your jealousy. He was my mentor and I worked for him because of who he is. I idolized him.”

“Do you still?”

“A little bit, but I’m older now and I know the difference.” She moves into my lap, facing me. “I know the difference between appreciating someone’s work and not needing the admiration returned to feel good about myself. You’re the only man I need, Sean.”

“I’m really sorry for tonight. I love you, Ava.”

Ava

Sean has agreed to do some promos for the Cancer Society and they want to meet with him to go over some ideas, especially since Sean is sponsoring a majority of the efforts. Unfortunately, Sean got called back to the set early this morning to redo a stunt before they have to reopen the street. So that leaves me to entertain until he returns.

When they arrive, I open the door to four men. There are two older gentlemen with two younger men standing eagerly behind them. “Hello gentleman, please come in and make yourself comfortable. My husband is running a bit late, but he asked me to make sure you are taken care of until he arrives.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Grant.” One of the older gentlemen said as he reached for my hand. “My name is Donald Williams and this is my co-worker Henry Parker. We are with the Cancer Society. These gentlemen behind us are with the advertising agency.”

“Ava, please.” I smiled as I greet each of the older, somber men.

I have to hold back my laughter as I watch one of the younger men fidget rapidly with his bag, phone and jacket in order to produce a free hand for me, “Mrs. Grant, I mean Sean - Ava. Mrs. Ava, I mean, I am Sean … Shane … Grant, No.” He winced, forcing a breath. “I mean Shane Putnam. That’s me. I am Shane Putnam.” Shane shamefully hangs his head as he shakes my hand and the other younger man snickers behind him.

“Nice to meet you, Shane, and don’t worry. I have days like that too.”

The last remaining man smiles eagerly at me, “Ava, Dillon Conrad.” I put my hand out warily to him. “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m a southern boy. We don’t shake hands. We hug, if you don’t mind.” Before I have a chance to protest, his arms are wrapped around me securely. I hug him simply, but his sniffing of my hair sends a slight uneasiness through my body.

I make sure to sit away from Dillon but despite my attempts to talk with everyone else, Dillon continues to work his cockiness back into my view. He earns quite a few swift kicks and nudges from Shane whenever he doesn’t think I am watching. The two continue to bicker quietly until Shane makes a cross symbol across his chest, praying for some sort of relief. I take that sign as a signal that I should leave the room. “Would you gentleman like anything to drink?”Each of them asking for mild drinks, Dillon being a little more difficult, waits until last. I look over at him with an uneasy sigh, “And you Dillon?”

“What are you having?” He asked with a sincere smile.

“Water,” I said.

“Then that’s what I will have too.” His contagious smile inflicts its will on me and I can’t help but smile back at him.

Once in the kitchen, I grab some glasses and nearly drop them as I see that contagious smile coming towards me. “Did you need something Mr. Conrad?” I asked suspiciously.

“Dillon, please,” he said sweetly.

“Dillon,” I nodded.

“Yes, Ava,” he said, continuing closer towards me.

“Did you need something?” I asked giving him a warning look.

“I thought you might need some help.”

“Well thank you, but I think I have it handled.”

“Well, I am here if you need me.” He stops his approach and leans against the wall with a manly pose. “Am I making you nervous?” He asked.

“A little.” I said.

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean too. You are just so beautiful. I don’t think I have ever seen a woman so beautiful in my life. You make it hard for me to …”

“Mr. Conrad, are you flirting with me?” I asked sternly, trying not to smile.

“It’s Dillon. And why? Do you want me too?” He opens his mouth just enough so I can see his tongue trail the inside of his perfect teeth.

“Dillon, I am sure you do well with that charming smile of yours with most women, but I guarantee you that it won’t work with me.”

“Really?” He asked with a puzzled expression.

“No. And if I were you, I would back off before my husband gets home. You’re coming on a little too strong.”

“You want me to come on to you a little less?” He said, seemingly confused by the idea.

“No, I prefer you not to come on to me at all.”

“But that’s no fun.”

“Are you always like this?” I ask, standing back from him to look him over fully.

“Like what?” He asks leaning in closer to me but I push him back and sigh. “Alright, but you’re missing out. I can be a lot of fun and I am extremely good looking…but I am sure you noticed.”

I laugh before I can stop myself, “I wouldn’t doubt that.” Dillon instantly gets excited by my response. “But I am married.
Very
happily married,” I said having to push him away - again.

“He doesn’t have to know. Come out and have a few drinks with me tonight. Nothing has to happen.” His cockiness takes hold of him as he leans in. “Unless you …”

“No! And you better hope Sean doesn’t find out you said that to me - he will tear you apart.” I try to warn him but the cocky little bastard seems undeterred from his mission.

“Jealous, is he?”

“Dillon.”

“Yes, Ava?” Dillon asked still hopeful.

“Yes Ava, what?” I bite my lip as Sean walks in with an intimidating approach, glaring at Dillon and his leaning posture.

“Mr. Grant. Wow, it’s so nice to meet you.” Dillon stupidly holds his hand out to Sean. You can see the tension in Sean’s arm as he grips Dillon’s hand with force and a clear understanding. I sigh as Sean let’s go and Dillon shakes his hand out, behind himself.

I move between them and face Sean as persuasively as I can. “Honey, Dillon here was just telling me his ideas for the commercials. He is being sweet and helping me take these drinks out to everyone else.” Sean stares at me as he contemplates whether he is going to hurt Dillon any further.

“Is that all you were talking about?” Sean asks, caressing my arm to verify that I am okay. I give him a stern look against his reluctant stance.

“Yes sweetheart, what else would we talk about?” I said, kissing him gently before whispering in his ear, “Please let it go, he’s harmless, I promise.” Sean huffs before loosening up his tense arms and pulling me closer to him.

“We’re going to talk about this later,” he whispered back to me. “Get the drinks.” Sean motioned towards Dillon with a fierce look. I hand Dillon the tray of drinks, helping him position them correctly.

“Thanks,” Dillon said, flexing his hand to grip the tray.

“You’re welcome.” I said smiling, which he returns enthusiastically. Rolling my eyes at him, I take hold of Sean’s arm and walk away before the boy gets himself hurt.

The meeting proceeds without bloodshed. I did not participate, but used a nearby desk to check on some work issues, getting up to make calls in another room when necessary. Dillon follows most of my movements and Sean follows his. I try to ignore the both of them, but decide it best to leave the room, returning only once I hear them leaving. I walk in on Dillon trapped inside the threshold by Sean. Sean doesn’t seem to be snarling, so I hold my place. Sean glances over at me and then back at Dillon, who is about to turn around in my direction. “Don’t you dare turn around.” Sean said to him. I start to get angry, but when Dillon’s eyes twist as far to one side as possible to catch a glimpse of me, I grab my mouth to keep from laughing out loud. Sean glances at me in shock. “What is wrong with you?” He yelled at him.

“Nothing. Why?” Dillon shrugs.

“You know what, you’re lucky I like you.” Sean says holding back a smile, so I sit down and relax realizing Dillon isn’t going to die … today anyway.

“You do?” He said excited and mistakenly relaxing. “You know, I knew you did and you know what? I like you too, Sean. I think we have a lot in common. We both are extremely good looking, we’re both smart, and we both have great taste in women.” Sean looks back at me as if to ask if I can believe what he is hearing.

“Seriously, did your mother drop you on your head or something?” Sean asked him.

“Are you kidding? There would be no way I could get my hair to look this good with a dent in my head. Like I was saying, you know I get to Atlanta quite often, maybe I can stop by. What’s your address?”

“I’m not giving you my address!”

“Why not?” Sean goes speechless, staring at him in disbelief. “If you want to be my friend Sean, you should at least add me to your Christmas list. It’s what friends do. And make sure you don’t just sign your name, I hate that. Let me know how you’re doing, what’s going on in Sean’s world. Don’t be afraid to open up, I’m here for you buddy.”

“What?” Sean snaps back.

“Hey do you ever go to Vegas? Ahhh damn, I bet you could get us into some great places. We have got to do that.”

“No, we don’t,” Sean says, shaking his head and cautiously stepping away from Dillon.

“You know, Atlanta could be fun too. I was planning to go to Vegas next week, but sure. Why not? I will come to Atlanta and stay with you instead.”

“The hell you are!” Sean yells.

“Hey, I bet you have a pool too. Does Ava swim?” Dillon asked receiving a sharp glare. “Okay, so maybe just us guys then.”

“Will you shut the fuck up?” Dillon looks at Sean, taken aback by his raised voice. “I said I like you, which means I like your ideas. Not that I want to become your pen pal.” Dillon opens his mouth and Sean begins to shake. “No … be quiet. I have a film to do in Atlanta after I finish the one here. My schedule is going to be tight, so call Ethan, my brother. He handles everything for me.
Please
make sure you call Ethan. Don’t call me …
call Ethan
. Got it? Do not
ever
call me …
always
call Ethan.”

“What if …”

“No. Never call me, always Ethan.” Dillon is barely able to complete a full shrug before Sean pulls him in close by the neck and whispers something to him I can’t hear, and it doesn’t seem pleasant. I can’t see Dillon’s face completely, but he stiffens enough to tell me Sean is not wishing him well. I stomp off to the bedroom so I do not have to hear anything else. I do not want to know what Sean says to make people turn that pale. I lay across the bed, picking up one of my magazines to read when I hear Sean enter the doorway. I raise my magazine up higher in front of my face and Sean laughs. He lays down next to me, waiting for me to notice him. “Ava?” I look at the page opposite him. “Alright, why are you mad?”

“You were not very nice to Dillon.”

“I was nicer than I needed to be.” Sean said sternly

“He’s harmless, Sean.”

“Harmless? Stupid would be a better adjective for that kid.” I return to my magazine in a huff. “Ava,” he said, touching me softly and tugging on my clothes with the tips of his fingers.

“No. Not until you tell me what you said to him?”

He instantly rolls away from me. “I am not doing that.”

“Why?”

“Because you don’t need to know some things. Just know he won’t be bothering you ever again.”

“Sean! I handled it fine without being so harsh.”

“Oh, I heard you handling it. Seemed like you only encouraged him more.”

“I did not, or at least I wasn’t meaning too.” He glances over at me as I crawl to him. “I couldn’t help but laugh at him, Sean. He is ...”

“He’s an idiot and he’s going to get his ass kicked badly one day if he’s not careful. If you hadn’t stepped in, I was seriously considering doing it myself.”

“I know you were. You really need to work on your temper by the way.”