More Than A Four Letter Word Read online

  “Good morning. How did your interview go last night?”

  Clarissa didn’t hear Jonesy approach her. “From the tone of your voice, I guess that Ali told you that I accepted the position.”

  “Alison didn't say a whole lot which leads me to believe that you and Julian Ross connected last night. Did something else happen last night that I should know about?” Jonesy said as he winked at her.

  “What is there to tell, Julian offered me the job, and I accepted. Case closed. End of story.”

  “If I didn’t know better, I’d say that Julian's offering a lot more than a job.”

  “Well, he offered me the job, and that’s the only thing he offered me.”

  “There’s no need to yell, I’m standing right next to you. It’s surprising what a little physical attraction to can do for one’s disposition, huh.” After that parting shot, Jonesy went into his office.

  Clarissa didn’t have any feelings for Julian. She just extricated herself from one relationship, and she isn’t ready to jump into another one so soon. Julian is a fascinating man. She has a feeling he would be an excellent boss. God if only she could make herself believe that she isn’t attracted to him. “Today would have been a perfect day to stay in bed.” Clarissa groans to herself as she a sips her coffee.

  ***

  The meeting with Rosscom's representatives and her office managers is going better than expected. She wants to make a smooth transition before she gives her final good-byes to her staff. They were interrupted by Clarissa's secretary Wanda. She knows it has to be important, or Wanda would have waited for a break.

  "What's wrong Wanda?"

  "I'm sorry to disturb you Clarissa, Mrs. Ivory Tate is here, and she's determine to see you."

  Oh Lord, now she has to deal with Lawrence's mother. "Thanks Wanda, please show Mrs. Tate into my office. Please excuse me; I have some business to discuss with Mrs. Tate." Lawrence often referred to his mother as a delicate southern flower. Clarissa knows from experience that the only thing delicate about his mother is her stature.

  As she approaches her office, she sees Harrison, Mrs. Tate's driver standing outside her office. According to Lawrence, Harrison has been with his family since his childhood. "Harrison would you like something to drink while you wait?"

  "No, thank you Miss Marks. I'll just wait here for Mrs. Tate."

  Mrs. Tate seems to be enjoying the view from Clarissa's office. As always she is the picture of a genteel Southern Belle with a waspish tongue. Always polite and considerate, but her cold blue eyes belie the true meaning behind her words. She dressed as if she were going to a garden party for the rich and famous. From her fashionable sun brim hat to her Stuart Weitzman shoes.

  Clarissa shut the door behind her and addresses her almost mother-in-law. "Hello Mrs. Tate can I get you anything to drink."

  Ivory Tate hugs Clarissa before sitting down. "I know what transpired between you and Lawrence this past weekend. He tells me that you refuse to discuss the breakup. He asked me to come and plead his case with you."

  "Mrs. Tate I've said everything I have to say and rest assured the wedding has been canceled."

  "I'm sorry that you feel your relationship can't be saved." She sighs before pressing forward, "When Lawrence introduced us, I had a feeling that your relationship with him wouldn't work out, but as the wedding drew closer I had hopes for you and Lawrence."

  "Why did you think Lawrence and I were doomed from the outset? What is because my parents' aren't rich or my skin isn't Lilly white?"

  Mrs. Tate gives Clarissa a fleeting smile, "I know why you would think that about me. I was born into a wealthy family, and I knew that the man I married would have the same background. I knew what to expect from my husband and my place in the marriage. When I first met you, I had you pegged as a career woman who would never be content just being a rich man's wife."

  Clarissa is at a loss for words, "You're right Mrs. Tate I would never be satisfied with the label rich man's wife."

  "Lawrence is like his father in all respects."

  "Really, how so."

  "On my wedding day, I caught my husband having sex with my best friend in the cabana. Our union wasn't a love match by any means, but I expected my husband to conduct himself in a manner that wouldn't embarrass the family name. I also learned how to select better friends."

  "Why would you ever settle for an arrangement like that?"

  "Clarissa I know that you don't understand, but I was groomed to marry for connections and wealth. To my recollection Tabitha was the only person in my family who married for love. I had hopes that Lawrence would break the cycle as well by marrying you. As I've gotten older, my taste for tradition has fallen by the wayside."

  "You're right Mrs. Tate I don't understand how anyone could live that way."

  "Are you positive you can't forgive Lawrence for his indiscretion? I know you don't believe me, but he honestly loves you."

  That last thing Clarissa expected is Mrs. Tate's approval. "Mrs. Tate catching Lawrence in bed with my sister makes me realize how much I don't love him. If I truly loved him, I may have been open to mending our relationship. I would never marry a man for anything less than love, and I'm grateful to Lawrence for showing me how a man who professes to love me shouldn't behave."

  "Clarissa dear, I may not have married for love, but I know what love is, and the love of my life stays close by my side. Well I've said everything I needed to say. I'm going to California I want to be on hand when my grandchild is born."

  Clarissa likes Lawrence's sister Tabitha and speaks with her frequently on the phone. "The baby isn't due for another month."

  "That's true dear, but your wedding is canceled, so there's no reason for me to hang around. "I wish you all the best Clarissa, and I'm truly sorry for any pain my son has caused you."

  Before Mrs. Tate exited the office, she gently patted Clarissa's cheek. "Give Tabitha my best."

  "Of course dear, Harrison I'm ready to leave."

  "Good bye."

  This is the longest conversation she can recall having with Mrs. Tate, which is a shame, she missed a positive relationship. Clarissa walks over to the window staring at the scenery just as Mrs. Tate did less than 20 minutes ago. She stands there long enough to see Mrs. Tate and Harrison walking arm and arm like an old married couple enjoying a stroll. Harrison opens the back door of the opulent silver and blue Bentley. Before getting in the car, Mrs. Tate rubs his hand. Maybe Mrs. Tate did find that special love, is seemed as though she didn't waste her life being one of the idle rich. "I refuse to live a life without love too."

  ***

  Chapter 7

  How long has she been standing there staring out of her office window looking down at the busy streets of downtown Chicago? She's in the middle of a security project for the EPA, but her mind isn't on work right now. Clarissa has been working for Rosscom for more than four months, closer to five. It still hasn't been enough time to work out her feelings for her boss Julian Ross.

  He's a busy man, and she sees him sometimes once or twice a week. When their paths cross, Julian is always pleasant and professional, not the sensual man she encountered in Orlando. Maybe she put too much stock in their initial meeting; she thought she would have to beat him off with a stick. Well seems like the joke is on her. He isn't doing anything to change the status quo.

  Julian is like no other man in her acquaintance, and Clarissa is afraid that she might be falling for him. She can't stop thinking about Julian's full, kissable lips and his slightly titled onyx eyes, surrounded by long, thick eyelashes. If absence makes the heart grow fonder, she must damn well be in love. Clarissa wondered if this is Julian's plan all along. Tease her and make her want him and then treat her as if she doesn't exist. Talk about a sexual let down.

  Clarissa turned around upon hearing the tapping at her door. She works in a secure environment and doesn't get many visitors. She opens the security door, only to see Julian standing on the other side. "Come in."


  Julian walks into Clarissa office, shutting the door behind him. "Clarissa, you and I need to talk. I could have invited you to lunch, but your office will have to suffice."

  Clarissa practically stumbled before falling into her chair. Sitting behind her desk gives her a feeling of safety. It's a good thing she's sitting down; just looking at Julian makes her weak in the knees. Damn she needs to get laid. No man should have that much sexual magnetism. "Sure Julian what can I do for you?"

  Julian eyes roam freely over her face and breasts. His plan is to give her a little time to get acclimated to Chicago before he pounces, but he is out of patience, and she is out of time. "I need you to act as hostess tonight for my house warming party."

  "What?" She certainly didn't expect him to ask her to be his hostess. "I don't think I'm qualified to act as your hostess. I'm sure that you know plenty of women who would die for a chance to host your party."

  "I don't want another woman. You may have me pegged as Chicago's number one playboy, but I never take my lovers home to meet my son. My liaisons were about sex and nothing more. You, on the other hand, have managed to worm you way into my son's favor. So it's only fitting that you play hostess at our house warming party."

  Thinking about Julian's son Micah puts a smile on her face. Micah is an adorable little charmer. At the company Christmas party, they talked about a variety of subjects. "I've bumped into Micah a couple of times since the Christmas party, and I don't recall anything I said that would make a lasting impression on a ten year old."

  Clarissa has no idea how others viewed her. Initially upon meeting her, his only objectives were to get her in his bed and keep her there. Now he's considering a more permanent arrangement. Julian loves his son more than anything, and he puts Micah's needs before his own. Meeting Clarissa has turned Micah's world around. Seeing Micah's interaction with her, makes Julian realize that a growing young boy needs the influence of a loving, strong woman.

  "You have him wrapped around your little finger, and the only thing I've been hearing since Christmas is when can I see Rissa again. Did you tell him that it was okay to call you Rissa?"

  Clarissa could feel herself blushing under his intense gaze. "Back in Orlando, I had an art group for children at the neighborhood Boys & Girls Club. I told the kids to call me Rissa; I wanted them to feel at ease in my presence. I was there to help them explore their creative side as a friend."

  Julian approaches her desk, his eyes never leaving hers. "Well I need a friend tonight Rissa. When would you like for me to pick you up?"

  Clarissa blinked a few times to break the spell Julian put on her. She takes a deep breath before she answers him. The last thing she wants is being confined in a car with Julian. She is horny as hell and would probably do something rash like jump him inside the car. If it takes all night, she would find his house by herself. She has been to his house once before for a meeting, so she is certain she can find his house.

  "I'm sure I can find your house, it’s not like I haven’t been there before."

  “Yes you have, but that happen a month ago and you weren’t driving.”

  "Don't worry I've become rather adept at maneuvering around Chicago."

  Julian watched Clarissa closely for signs of fatigue. She works too many late nights and is usually the first one to arrive in the morning. Julian wants to know what drives her to work the way she does. He's a workaholic himself, but he has nothing on Clarissa and the time she spends working nights and weekends. "Drive carefully tonight."

  Clarissa gives Julian her brightest smile. "I promise to drive safely."

  "One more thing, you may not realize this, but I've been watching your interactions with the staff here at Rosscom. You are admired and respected, and no one here would ever think that you were hired because of my sexual interest in you."

  Clarissa rolled her eyes and snorted. "Julian I don't know what you're talking about?

  "I've been biding my time, giving you a chance to settle in, but the drought is over Clarissa. I've been delegating my duties to my competent executives. Now I can focus my time planning your seduction." He winked at her before vacating her office.

  After watching Julian leave her office, she must have stared at the closed door for several minutes lost in her own thoughts. She got on the phone and made a couple of calls. Clarissa decided that she would take the rest of the day off in preparation for Julian's party. "Arrogant man! We'll see who's going to seduce whom."

  ***

  As Julian got ready for the party, his mind drifted off. Ever since, his wife died, women were just a means to an end. Julian's aunt nagged him to get married again. She wanted him to have more children so that she could spoil them rotten.

  Julian thought about getting married a lot over the last three months; Clarissa is the only candidate so far that comes close to the type of woman he wants. If she could look into his mind, she would probably pack her bags and run back to Orlando. He has been keeping his distance, which is more than he would do for any other woman.

  He has given her ample time to get settled at the job and into her new home. The die has been cast, now it is time to claim his woman. He may have been staying out of Clarissa's way, but his mind is filled with thoughts of her. He even dreams about her when he sleeps at night. His attraction for Clarissa is getting out of hand and disrupting his life. Julian doesn't believe in getting involved in office romances, but this situation with Clarissa is so much more than an office romance.

  Julian pulls his tuxedo out of the closet and lays it across his before heading for the bathroom. He inspected his face in the mirror, knowing that he would have to shave again. Because of his Italian ancestry, he always has to shave twice a day especially if he has an evening engagement.

  His grandparents were born in Palermo Italy; they became United States citizens back in the 1930's. His mother and her older sister Reva were born and raised in Philadelphia. As a child, he remembered his grandmother chastising his grandfather about his scratchy face. He lathered his face, taking out his grandfather's straight razor and quickly shaved his face. He had an electric shaver, but it didn't give him the close, clean shave of a straight razor. Julian checked his face in the mirror again to ensure his five o'clock shadow has disappeared.

  He knows that Clarissa is attracted to him because he sees the desire in her eyes and erect nipples don't lie. Problem is he doesn't know how far those feelings go. Sure, she ended a long-term relationship almost six months ago, but it's his job to make sure she gets back in the saddle. Julian knows that Clarissa is his type of woman. She's a smart career oriented, loves children, and she's sexy as hell. With just the right amount of pressure, he can have her eating out of the palm of his hand.

  It isn't necessary to have a house warming party, but it's good for business, and it's a way to get Clarissa to see him after business hours. Julian would like to spend the evening getting to know her better at an intimate restaurant. He hasn't been in a serious relationship since his wife Donna died, and he misses the intimacy of being involved in a relationship. Julian has his share of women friends, or one night stands, but they aren't enough anymore.

  When his wife was murdered, he felt so guilty for her death. He was thankful that the murderer didn't kill his son Micah too. The police pulled him in for questioning; they let him go after it had been confirmed that he was out of town on business. Maybe he didn't deserve a second chance at love. Julian blamed himself for his wife's death. If he'd been in town, Donna would be alive today.

  He stepped into the shower and tried to drown out his sorrows. Julian's best friend, Harlan, and his boss at the time came to him with a business proposition. He convinced Julian to come to Chicago and go into business with him. Julian wanted to get away from Kansas City.

  Julian took Harlan up on his offer, joined him in business and eventually branched out starting his own business never looking back. Rosscom is a very successful Fortune 500 company. It has so many subdivisions that he has to d
elegate his work to senior management. Julian steps out of the shower grabs a towel and walks back into his bedroom.

  He thoroughly dries himself before getting dressed. His main goal tonight is to get Clarissa in his arms by any means necessary. Asking her to be the hostess at the last minute is a stroke of genius. "Clarissa Marks you are mine."

  ***

  Clarissa just stepped out of the shower when her phone rang “Hello.”

  “Damn! You sound out of breath. What have you been doing?”

  Clarissa’s mood lightened as soon as she heard Alison’s voice. “Oh I’m getting ready for a business party at Julian's house.”

  “Really! Uhmm, is there a chance you might be spending the night. If so you better bring plenty of condoms.”

  “Ali! Julian and I don’t have that type of relationship.”

  “I’ve seen him okay, Julian Ross is one fine piece if I’ve ever seen one."

  Clarissa frowns at the phone. "When did you see Julian?"

  "The day you sold Lariat I dropped something off for Jonesy. I spied you two in the conference room. The way he looked at you gave me goose bumps, that man wants you badly. You need to forget your missish ways and jump him at your first opportunity. When is the last time you had sex anyway?”

  “I don’t know anyone here in Chicago except for the people I work with and it’s not appropriate to engage in an office fling. You know that office affairs never end well.”

  “Are you trying to tell me that the last person you had sex with is Lawrence? With all those magnificent men in Chicago, you’re telling me that you're not getting any! Have you lost your mind?”

  Clarissa sighs into the phone. “Okay I admit that I miss sex. Lawrence is a sleaze, but he's marginal in bed. I know that I don’t date enough. I’m just not the screw them and forget about them kind of woman.” There is no way in the world that Clarissa would tell Alison of her interest in Julian. Alison would talk her to death for at least another hour.

  “Rissa I know that you have trust issues with men, but girl it’s unnatural for a woman your age to be living a life of an old maid. When you get to the party tonight I want you use your dormant womanly skills and attach yourself to a man and sex him up.”