More Than A Four Letter Word Read online

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  Julian keeps his hand on her back as if he were escorting his girlfriend to the lunch table. Clarissa tries not to respond to his obvious sign of possession. Men like Julian don't fall in love; the women in his life are just a receptacle for his lust. The hostess tries to lead them to the patio seating, but Julian has other plans. Clarissa knows without a doubt that Julian isn't a patio kind of guy. He selects a location in a corner near the back of the room offering plenty of privacy.

  After several more tries for Julian's attention, the hostess finally got the message that he has no interest. Their waiter comes over and quickly regales them with today's lunch special. Clarissa decides on the black bean soup, shrimp scampi, and a soft drink. Julian orders crab cakes, Italian sausage and peppers, and wine. The waiter immediately takes the menus and leaves them alone.

  Julian keeps staring at her chest as if he could see her bare breasts under her clothing. She's come across men like Julian before. He has women constantly seeking his attention, secretly hoping he'd choose them as his next lover. Clarissa's plans to guide the conversation to safe subjects; she refuses to be his distraction while he's in Orlando.

  "Well Julian why did you come to Orlando for the negotiations? I have to tell you that I'm surprised me to see the CEO of Rosscom come all the way from Chicago for what is common acquisition."

  Julian could see that his examination of her body makes Clarissa uncomfortable. He would be lying if he said that isn't his intention. He'd bet that Clarissa's fiancé hasn't touched the tigress that dwells deep inside her. He envisions all the sex games they'd play in his bed. The mere thought of tasting the warm honey between Clarissa legs makes his erection rise against the zipper of his pants. He loves the hunt and Clarissa is undeniably worth the chase.

  "I have other business interests in Orlando, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see you. That's my only excuse for joining Aaron and Daniel at the meeting. It's been awhile since I've wet my hands with a new acquisition. Lariat Games has been on my company's radar for several years. It saddens me to hear that you were selling Lariat Games just to settle down and become a good little wife."

  Clarissa drank from her glass before responding. Julian's baiting her, but she didn't understand why. "There's nothing wrong with marrying the man you love and raising a family."

  Julian put his elbows on the table, clasping his hands together, gazing deeply into her beautiful eyes. She's finding his conversation irritating, no more than he considered her marriage to Lawrence Tate an abomination. "There's only one problem with your scenario. You don't love your fiancé, and he certainly doesn't satisfy you sexually."

  "Are you certain of that?"

  "Seems to me that you're settling for a marriage you don't want that will surely end in divorce."

  "Why did you ask me to lunch? I can't believe it's just to insult my fiancé and me.

  Julian ignores her last remark. He didn't want to be caught up in discussion of a marriage that won't take place. He needs to rein in his condemnation over Clarissa horrid taste in men and focus on his latest project. "I apologize if I sound cynical about your upcoming nuptials. I consider marriage a futile endeavor and can't quite understand why anyone would enter into such an arrangement."

  Clarissa couldn't decide if she should be leave or laugh. Julian didn't necessarily oppose her marriage to Lawrence he's against the institution of marriage altogether. "You shouldn't knock marriage until you've tried it."

  "I've been married."

  Clarissa seemed shocked, "You were married."

  "You seem surprised. I assure you that I'm an extremely good catch. At one time, I did believe in love and marriage. All stupid things should be done at a young age; this limits the chance of repeating careless mistakes."

  "Your wife must have done a number on you. Obviously you're not still her, or you wouldn't be the biggest playboy in Chicago."

  "She was an agreeable woman, in love with the idea of love. I made a good living, and she was a stay at home wife. Unfortunately, for her, she expected me to be at her disposal 24/7. I was on the fast track, working 15 hour days and I didn't have time to hold her hand every time she felt insecure. Eventually, she quickly became disillusioned with our marriage."

  Clarissa sighed in relief when her eyes caught the waiter bringing their food. "I'm sorry to hear about your wife."

  "She was a good woman; she just married the wrong man."

  Wow that's a telling statement, Julian let her know that he's not the marrying kind. As you say, some mistakes are best forgotten."

  "After today's negotiations I would think you would like to relax, sure you don't want any wine."

  Clarissa followed his example and welcomed the change in topic. "It's too early in the day to drink. Besides I have to go back to work after lunch."

  "I thought you'd be planning a celebration after selling Lariat Games."

  "I think I'll prepare a memorable dinner for my fiancé tonight. So I guess it's a celebration of sorts."

  “I'm curious Clarissa. Why would a woman with your qualifications take a position as a security analyst for an insurance company?”

  How many times has she been asked that question this week? Everyone rates success with money, but money is nothing if you aren't happy with your job. “Lariat Games has been my baby for five years. I love creating and developing video games, but I hate the management aspect."

  "You could stick to the creative side of the business. If creating and graphic designs are what you love, I don't understand why you would give it up."

  "When I get in a creative mode I lose all track of time and tend to forget about everything outside my creative world."

  "Ah, your fiancé doesn't like the devotion you have for your business. He sounds terribly selfish to me. Therefore, you give up your work that you obviously love to move to another state and become an analyst. What did your fiancé give up?"

  Clarissa sat there glaring at him with indignation. "We both thought that a fresh start in a new state away from our families would give our marriage the boost it needs."

  Julian gave her his best charming smile. "I understand perfectly, you're making all the sacrifices for this marriage."

  Clarissa bit her lip; she didn't need Julian's dissection of her relationship with Lawrence to make her wonder if she were making a mistake. The natural progression of her three year engagement to Lawrence is marriage. Lawrence is a terrific guy; he would never tempt her like Mr. Sexy across the table. One thing is for sure Lawrence could never break her heart. If she's settling for a bland marriage, it's better than having her heart put through the wringer.

  "I know exactly what I'm getting out of this marriage, and it suits me just fine."

  Julian reaches across the table tracing her bottom lip with his thumb. "Are you so afraid of passion that you would marry the first man who asks?"

  Clarissa resists the temptation to suck his thumb and slightly places herself out of reach. "You have become extremely familiar with me Mr. Ross; your actions are unprofessional and inappropriate."

  Julian studies her with a knowing look. He could tell by the fire in her eyes that she's aroused. “My behavior has been unprofessional and inappropriate. For that, I apologize, especially since you're not in a position to acknowledge or act upon the attraction between us.

  "That doesn't sound like an apology."

  "I've never been good at apologizing, so I don't."

  Clarissa couldn't stop the quirk of her lips. Julian is so full of himself. "So I see."

  "How old were you when you started Lariat Games?”

  Clarissa followed his lead. It's a lot less intimidating than thinking about sucking his thumb and other parts of him. “I was twenty-two, almost twenty-three. I graduated from college when I was twenty. I worked for a company that stole my ideas and discredited me at every turn. Therefore, I decided to establish my own business, back then I was eager to get into the video games market. My dad provided my startup capital, and I jumped into i
t with two feet.”

  Julian admires her tenacity, her new job as an analyst cannot fulfill her. "Did selling Lariat Games make you feel like a failure?”

  “No, I don't feel like a failure, I'm just ready to move on. My concerns regarding my staff have been put to rest."

  "I'm working on a new pilot project that needs the talents of an architect and graphic designer with your insight. I have an agreement with the Department of Defense and other government agencies that would make your head spin."

  Clarissa is curious about Julian's involvement with the DOD. "War games!"

  Julian has her attention, but he wonders if the bait is enough. "Of a sort, if you come to work for me, you would have cart blanche as the project manager. I guarantee that you don't have to worry about overhead, payroll taxes, and all the other pesky things an owner of a company has to deal with. You'd practically be your own boss, working hours of your choosing."

  "Wait a minute did you invite me to lunch to offer me a job with your company in Chicago?"

  "Why not? I hate to see talent go to waste."

  Clarissa could feel her brows furrow as she gave him a stern look. "I'm marrying Lawrence in a few weeks. Why would you even bring this position to my attention? You must have known I would refuse."

  "Julian pulls his business card from his wallet and hands it to her. "I'm just giving you an alternative, in case your plans don't work out. My employees tell me that I'm an exceedingly pleasant employer. My personal numbers are on the card should you find yourself facing a crossroads."

  Clarissa put the card in her purse; Julian is a perplexing man. "I really don't understand you Julian." He gives her a devastatingly wicked smile that made her stomach feel all jittery.

  "Don't worry Clarissa; I've never been one to rub salt in my opponent's wounds. The job is yours no questions; just don't make me wait too long."

  Julian finishes his lunch as if he has no a concerns in the world. Why is he so confident that her marriage to Lawrence is a mistake? She finishes her lunch, and Julian calls for the check. The ride back to Lariat Games is silent. Only as she's getting out of the car did she speak. "Thanks for lunch Julian, may I also say that it's been interesting meeting you today."

  Julian brushes his hand gently across her face. "If things in your new life don't work out, I want you to promise to call me. Maybe you'll find what you're looking for in Chicago."

  Clarissa quickly leaves the car, she can feel his eye on her, but she refuses to look back. Julian Ross is a dangerous man; lucky for her that she never plans to see him again.

  ***

  By the time Clarissa makes it back to her desk, it's a little after one o'clock. She spies a large manila envelope on her desk. She wondered what's inside; it couldn't be the contract with Rosscom. Aaron Melcher and Daniel Hall are highly effective, but they didn't have enough time to make all the changes to the contract.

  Clarissa sits down and opens the envelope, and several photographs with Lawrence having sex with different women spill out all over her desk. One photo in particular grabs her attention; the woman in the photo is her sister Roberta. She looks at the photos with a clinical eye, Lawrence should have given her that attention in the bedroom. Chances are they would have been married years ago. Her distraction with the photos keeps her from hearing Jonesy enter her office.

  "Hey boss lady, sorry for the interruption, but I hear that a celebration is in order."

  Clarissa fumbles with the photos jamming them back into the envelope. Marcus Jones a.k.a Jonesy is her best friend Alison's fiancé and her creative arts director. She has to play this off, or he would notice that something is wrong. With all the turmoil running through her head, she even manages to give Jonesy a smile. "Everything is great!"

  Jonesy isn't a fool something is obviously bothering Clarissa, but he decides to play along. "I'm thinking that Ali and I should take you and Lawrence out to celebrate tonight. What do you say?"

  Clarissa taps the manila envelope against her desk. "Give me a rain check on that Jonesy. I have a truly memorable celebration in store for Lawrence tonight. If you excuse me, I need to go home to prepare for tonight."

  Jonesy pulls his cell phone out of his pocket and calls Alison at work only to hear her voicemail. "Hey baby, something's wrong with Clarissa, you better give her a call." Jonesy watches Clarissa's retreating back. She's on a mission, and he's glad he isn't her victim.

  ***

  As soon as Julian reaches his suite at the hotel, he throws his jacket on the sofa, loosens his tie, and toes off his shoes. He makes himself a drink, sits down in a chair, and replays the events of the day. He only wishes that Clarissa was with him right now begging him to take her. She should have the evidence of her fiancé's infidelities by now. How long would it take her to come to him? A couple of days or perhaps a week. He wants her abilities for his latest project, but the idea of Clarissa becoming just his employee is unsatisfactory. He wants her working for his company and shaking her ass in his bed.

  Clarissa isn't like any other woman of his acquaintance. She doesn't need him to help her career or supplement her bank balance. She's her own woman, and the only reason she's coming to his bed is because she wants to be there. His immediate attraction to Clarissa is surprising and annoying. One thing is certain this attraction between them is mutual.

  Clarissa is clearly a lady. His baits of sexual innuendos and taunts about her upcoming nuptials didn't get a rise out of her. She's a refreshing new toy who plays her cards close to her chest. He would stay in Orlando for a few days before heading back to Chicago. He has a feeling that Clarissa is going to contact him soon.

  ***

  Chapter 3

  Clarissa drives to her condominium with purpose. She's been trying to call Lawrence upon seeing the photos of him in compromising positions with several women including her sister. She should be furious, but all she feels is an overwhelming sense of betrayal.

  How did she miss the signs of Lawrence's infidelities? How long has he been cheating on her? Between negotiations with Rosscom and her last minute wedding arrangements, she hasn’t seen much of Lawrence. They speak to each other often over the phone, but instead of getting closer, the drift between them has become wider.

  Clarissa pulls into her parking space outside her condominium and walks into the building. She pays little attention to her surroundings; her focus remains on the task ahead. She's going to give Lawrence his walking papers and cancel her wedding. She could handle almost anything but a cheater. She refuses to enter into a marriage with a man who can't keep his dick in his pants. Clarissa gets off the elevator and quickly makes her way to the door of her condominium.

  Lawrence gets off from work soon; she didn't have a lot of time to collect his belongings. She would make a clean break and refuse to listen to his pathetic excuses. She has to think long and hard on how to handle her sister. The next time she sees Roberta, she's going to slap the taste out of her mouth.

  The first order of business is to clear out Lawrence's personal items from her home. Clarissa turns down the hall leading to her bedroom when she hears moaning and grunting coming from her bedroom. What in the hell was going on? She just knows that Lawrence didn't bring one of his tricks to her bed. Clarissa runs down the hall and slams the bedroom door open. Her feet were stuck to the floor as she stands there watching her sister grinding her pelvis against her fiancé.

  Roberta sees Clarissa first. She kisses Lawrence again before addressing Clarissa. "What's wrong sister, is this a surprise?"

  Lawrence jumps off the bed and reaches for his pants; his face is bright red with guilt. "Clarissa this isn't' what you think..."

  All of her hate and wrath comes to head as she sees her sister licking her lips with satisfaction. A man who loves her would never disrespect her in this manner. She didn't plan this scene, but the result would be the same. She's going to clean house tonight, and she would start with her cheating fiancé and her slut sister. "Please tell me what I'm supposed to
think when I find my fiancé in bed with my slutty sister." Clarissa reaches for anything she could find to throw at them.

  For the first time in her life, Roberta takes Clarissa seriously. She jumps out of the bed when a jar of body butter connects with her forehead. Roberta grabs her clothes, shoes, and purse before taking a quick exit from the bedroom.

  Lawrence grabs Clarissa from behind holding her by the arms. He struggles to keep her from running after Roberta. "Calm down!"

  "Get your hands off me and get the hell out. Why? Why? My plans were to give up everything for you so we could make a new life in Atlanta.

  Lawrence has to think of something and fast, he didn't expect Clarissa home for at least another three hours. “Baby just let me explain!”

  Clarissa twists out of Lawrence’s arms. “Out of all the women in the world you could screw, why her?"

  Lawrence quickly puts on his shirt, sticks his feet in his shoes, and tries to pacify Clarissa at the same time. "It didn't mean anything, just a little fling before the wedding. Baby you know how much I love you. Roberta is just an easy lay. Are you going to let that slut ruin all of our plans?"

  She slaps Lawrence's perfectly tan face, leaving an impression of her fingers. His good looks and turquoise eyes couldn’t get him out of this one. "How dare you stand there and try to explain your reasons for screwing my sister in my bed? You’re caught! I caught you in bed with my sister. I cannot let you insult my intelligence by pretending it didn’t happen. The wedding is off!"

  Lawrence has never seen Clarissa this angry. In fact, the whole scene is turning him on. They have a strong relationship. He's certain he can convince Clarissa to forgive him, and the wedding will take place on schedule. "Give me a call after you cool off and then we can talk about our wedding in a rational manner." Lawrence grabs the rest of his clothes, slamming the door behind him.