Chapter 45: Chapter 10: A Day of Disaster.

Jamie

My day started with a disaster.

I overslept my alarm by forty-five minutes, which meant my morning routine of calmness before an eight-hour shift at the Ritz turned into a huge rush around.

I was rushing from one room to another while Penelope sat calmly in her high chair, munching on some Cheerios.

Between getting us both dressed, feeding Penelope, and packing her things for the day ahead, I had already worked up a sweat.

I looked down at the silver watch that my mom had gifted me for my birthday. I was late for work.

“Oh, no, I’m extremely late for work! Let’s go, Penelope.” I picked Penelope up in my arms with two bags over my shoulder, and I left my house in a hurry.

My day didn’t get any better from there.

Work was more hectic than usual, and Carmen came down with the stomach flu overnight, so I had to ask my mom to take care of Penelope again while I was overseeing the anniversary party at work.

My mom didn’t mind watching her. She never did. But she took care of Penelope while I worked five days a week, so I didn’t want to overburden her if I didn't have to. She had a life of her own.

The floors of the Ritz ballroom were sparkling after the third coat of wax.

The table arrangements were of white lilies in tall crystal vases placed in the center of each table. The draping of gold curtains from the ceiling made the room look elegant.

Everything was perfect.

The night swept by, just like it always does when I’m working a party. The Montgomerys had their special day exactly as they wanted it, which meant there was nothing more for me to do but go home.

“You’re still here.” Sam stood beside me, holding a waiter’s tray full of hors d’oeuvres. “I thought you would’ve left by now. You know it’s past nine, right?”

“I know.” I looked in the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery, dancing in the center of the dance floor and looking so in love.

I imagine that’s exactly how they looked on their wedding day. The envy of every couple in the room.

“I was just watching them. They’re so sweet together.”

“They are. That son of theirs.” Sam drew my attention from the Montgomerys and toward their son. “Serve me up a plate of him. That man is fine.” He fanned his face with his hand.

I chuckled. “I’m pretty sure he doesn’t swing that way.”

“He definitely doesn’t swing my way, but I like to look. He’s been checking you out all night. Have you noticed?”

“What? No, he hasn’t.”

I glanced in Doctor Jack’s direction and saw that he was indeed looking our way. He gave me a wink that caused me to blush like crazy.

~It’s been a while since a man has made me blush like that. Since Mason, actually.~ Just a look from Doctor Jack had me blushing. How could I ever get through a conversation with him?

~I won’t find out. I won’t be seeing him again after tonight.~

“Yes, he has.” Sam looked at me, and his jaw dropped. “Oh my God! You are so blushing over him. You like him, don’t you?”

“No, I don’t like him,” I whispered. “I have a daughter. Of course I don’t like him.”

Sam looked at me with his brows furrowed.

“What’s Penelope got to do with it? You know you can date. You’re not a shriveled-up old prune. Anyway, it’s about time you got yourself out there. It’s been a while, right?”

A long while.

~The last man that was between my legs left me heartbroken and pregnant. I won’t make that mistake again.~

“I don’t date. That’s the end of it.” I turned around, clearing a table even though it wasn’t part of my job. It was my way of putting an end to the conversation.

“You don’t date unless it’s Mason Knight.”

My back was to Sam, but I could tell by his tone that he was smirking.

“I know you. You still have a thing for him. Someone has to clear the cobwebs between those legs. Both are fine enough to do the job!”

I shook my head. “No, I told you I’m not interested. I don’t have time for a man in my life. Now can we drop this conversation, please?” I replied as I turned around to face him.

Not only was Sam behind me, but Doctor Jack too.

Doctor Jack looked amused by my words. Sam, of course, did too.

Embarrassed that they overheard me, I tucked a lock of my curly brunette hair behind my ear and said nothing.

“I’ll be on my way. People to serve and all that.” Sam walked away but looked back and mouthed the words, “Talk to him!”

~As if it were that simple! I mean, what do I even say to a man I don’t know anything about? It’s been a while for me, you know, since I talked to a man that hot.~

“This is a great party. Thank you for everything you did for my parents, Jamie. They were thrilled.”

“There’s no need to thank me. It’s all part of the job.” I felt a great relief that he had started the conversation first.

“I know how my mother can be. You kept her happy through this entire planning process, and for that, I am grateful. It kept her off my back for a while.” He chuckled.

I chuckled back. “In that case, you’re welcome. I know how mothers can be. Mine is always in my business. I wish she could go a week without trying to play matchmaker.”

He looked at me, his eyebrows raised. “So, you’re definitely single then?”

“Yes, I’m single,” I replied, feeling another sudden blush on my cheeks.

“That’s good to know.”

Jack’s lips curved into a smile. “I actually came here tonight with the intention of asking you out, but since the subject’s already come up, what do you say, Jamie? Dinner and a movie?”

“I um…um…” ~I have no idea what to say.~

He seems like a nice guy, but like I said already, I don’t have time for a man in my life. I need to think about Penelope.

“Hesitation. I didn’t expect that. You’re breaking my heart here.” He smirked.

“I’m sorry. I just…” Ugh. What to even say? I’ve never been good at saying no.

“Don’t have time for a man in your life, right?” he replied, finishing my sentence for me.

“It’s okay. I get it. You don’t need to apologize for turning me down, though you’re crushing my ego a little.”

I smiled, seeing the humor visible on his face. “I really am sorry. Honestly, I’m already spread so thin with work and with life. My life is pretty messy right now.”

Meaning ~Mason Knight~ messy.

I didn’t know if Mason would cause trouble if he saw me with another man.

After catching him in a hotel room with another woman when he was supposed to be taking care of our daughter, he didn’t have the right to be upset about anything.

That being said, I didn’t want the hassle. He could make trouble for me, and I didn’t want that.

“Messy. I doubt that.” He smiled, and I found him all the more irresistible.

I think he knew it too.

“Well, how about I get you a drink? We can get to know each other and see what happens.”

I glanced down at my watch, realizing again that it was way past finishing time for me. I usually stayed late. I guess a few more minutes wouldn’t hurt.

“Okay, sure. One drink.”

One drink turned into two very quickly, and before I knew it, it was way past ten. We had gotten deep into a conversation, talking about life.

Of course, there was a small amount of flirting on his part. I liked it though!

“Usually, I’d be reluctant to attend a party or celebration. It’s not really my thing. But I’ve enjoyed myself tonight, Jamie.”

Jack stopped us by the door to the ballroom, giving me a smile full of charm. “I’ve enjoyed spending time with you.”

“Me too.”

There was silence between us for a couple of seconds. The noise of the music in the background faded out as he moved in closer.

He was going to kiss me!

Jack’s hand moved toward my cheek, and he caressed it right before his lips connected with mine in a sweet and tender kiss. I was so in my head, not knowing what to do or if I even wanted it.

I wasn’t one to kiss a guy I’d only just met, especially one I hadn’t gone on a date with. I made the decision to kiss him back, even though it really wasn’t the time nor the place to do so.

Even though I was off the clock, I was still at work. My boss definitely wouldn’t be happy about this.

But his lips. ~My God, they’re soft!~

“Jamie!”

I heard his voice from behind me, his tone of agitation. I knew it well! His tone gave me a shiver because I knew nothing good would come of him being here.

Jack and I pulled away from each other, and we both turned to look at Mason. He was pissed, and he wasn’t afraid to show it.

“Mason. What are you doing here?”

“Looking for you. What’s going on?” he asked, glancing in Jack’s direction. “Are you running around kissing guys now?”

“No, just the one. I don’t see how it’s any of your business anyway.”

“You know it’s my business,” he replied.

Of course, he was right. Technically it was his business if I was dating. Penelope was involved. He deserved to know if I was seeing someone.

I wanted him to let me know about any women he’d be bringing around Penelope, too.

Not that Mason Knight would’ve ever gotten serious enough with a woman to introduce her to Penelope. ~Let’s face it. He’s just not that guy. He’s proved that once before.~

“We haven’t met. I’m Jack.” Jack took a step forward, extending his hand to Mason.

Of course, Mason, being Mason, stood with an attitude, not bothering to be polite enough to shake his hand.

I looked at Jack, cringing because Mason was making the situation so awkward. “I’m so sorry!”

“There’s no need to apologize. It’s fine.” Jack replied, being a total gentleman.

“Right, there’s no need to apologize.” Mason looked in my direction. “I need to speak to you, Jamie. Now. Please!”

I wanted to say no, to tell the man to go screw himself. But I knew that it would cause more trouble than it was worth.

“I guess you have to go.” Jack looked at me and smiled.

“I should go. Thank you for tonight. I had a great time.”

“Maybe we can do it again sometime. Without the other hundred people, that is.” He smirked. “No pressure, it’s up to you.”

Mason released a long-drawn sigh, full of attitude. “I’ll wait outside.” He walked out of the ballroom, which surprised me even more.

I had the feeling that he was jealous, so I was surprised that he left me with Jack, given that he’d just caught us kissing.

“Wow. He’s a bit much. Look.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a card. “My number is on this. I’d like to take you out sometime. I promise you won’t regret it.”

My lips curved into a smile. “Thank you, Jack.”

“All right then.” He smiled. “I hope you call.” He turned around and walked away toward his happily married parents.

Coming from a loving family, Jack definitely seemed like a man that wouldn’t mess a woman around. He was a total catch for any woman who was interested.

~Maybe I’m interested.~

I turned around and sighed as I looked out the door of the ballroom and into the hallway.

~I guess it’s time to face the music.~