“I understand. But I know you’re capable of restating your position. I’ve seen you eviscerate people at work.”
“I’ve never been mean.”
“Well, I don’t know about that, but you’re tough.”
“Can I call you after hours tonight?”
“Of course, I’m here at your service.”
I sigh. I can’t ignore this any longer. “It bothers me when you say things like that. My service implies that you’re only my employee and saying yes because I’m your boss. I hope you agree because you like me as more than a boss.”
“I do like you more than I’ve liked any other boss,” she teases.
“I thought if we talked later, you might be in the mood for some phone sex.”
She giggles, and I feel a bit better. “Just try not to call during our dinner. It wouldn’t be good for the twins to hear what you want to do to me.”
“Twins?”
“Brian’s sons?”
“Of course. I just didn’t retain that information.”
“Then they’re my new boyfriends—we tag team.”
“Not funny.”
“Guess it depends. I thought it was quite funny, being that they’re three years old.”
“I’ll talk to you later, and I expect you naked and ready to do all sorts of naughty things I tell you to do.”
She giggles. “Talk to you then.”
Chapter 27
Corrine
It’s after two here, so it’s the end of the day in San Francisco. I dial my phone and wait for Ms. Day to pick up. “How did it go today?” I ask her.
“Can you believe Mr. Graham got eighteen calls from various women all wanting to date him, and I don’t think he’s even met a one of them?”
“That’s a good day. Crazy isn’t it? Wait until you get a marriage proposal. I usually just let him know he got some calls and give him the call log at the end of the day.”
“There’s one who’s a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, but I suspect she wants a date more than to interview him.”
“I know who you’re talking about. She’s quite pushy.” I look out and see Danny and Jimmy running circles around their dad as he checks the property, and it makes me smile. “How was Mr. Graham after the police were at the office?”
“I won’t gossip.”
“I’m not looking for gossip. I’m asking about his mood. Do I need to clean anything up? Often when he’s been gruff or difficult, I need to smooth things over for him.”
“Oh, no. Mr. Graham talked to a few people and seemed fine.”
“Okay. Will you be returning tomorrow?” I shut my eyes and will her to say she will.
“Yes, sure thing.”
“Great. I suggest you print a copy of Mr. Graham’s calendar, so you’re ready when you walk in tomorrow morning. And before you leave, knock on his door and walk him through the phone calls he needs to return and see if he needs any phone numbers.”
“Of course. Have a good night.”
“You, too, Ms. Day. I’ll check in on you in the morning.”
I met with all the subcontractors today and offered a bonus if they get done within the next three weeks. They’ve been limping along, since that’s the island way. The money is essentially what we’d pay them if they stretched out the work like they seemed to be doing. I also sat down with the designer, and we themed the rooms around the house so they would be easier to identify. She was resistant to some of my ideas, which is irritating at best. I’ll figure out how to bring her around. I feel like I got something accomplished today.
I join the others in the dining room to find Leilani has made kalua pork for our dinner. With the first bite, I realize it is melt-in-your-mouth fantastic.
“This is outstanding!” I gush.
“It’s nummy.” Danny nods. He has rice stuck to his forehead and shredded kalua pork all over his fingers.
His twin brother, Jimmy, is too busy to stop eating and agree.
“What did you do today?” I ask Danny.
“We found some shells on the beach and went swimming in the ocean with Mama.”
“That sounds fun.”
He takes a massive bite of his food, and it takes him a while to chew and eat it.
“What was your favorite part, Jimmy?”
“We raced in the yard. I’m the fastest.” He nods, waiting for his brother to disagree.
The conversation around the table turns to things Danny, Jimmy, and Melanie can do around the island. It’s fun with all of us here, enjoying our time together and getting to know one another.
Melanie helps with the dishes, and Brian takes Danny and Jimmy on patrol—which really means they explore the property on foot and in a golf cart. The boys love the time with their daddy, but mostly I think they enjoy the golf cart.
I offer to help in the kitchen, but I’m shooed away, so I head to my makeshift office in the library.
I settle in and work for a while longer, but my focus isn’t what it should be, so I switch off my computer and begin the walk across the house to my bedroom. There’s a book I started last night before I crashed that I wouldn’t mind trying to read.
I put on a sexy negligee, and I begin reading a very saucy passage. It makes me think of Jackson. It’s half past six, and I know he’s still in the office. I decide to be a little cruel and naughty. I walk into the well-lit bathroom and let the strap of the dark blue silk baby-doll nightie fall off my shoulder. Through the material, you can see my pink nipple. I play with it a minute to make sure it’s erect. Carefully I take a
