Just Right for Me Page 8

  With ease, he flipped her over on her back and tunneled his fingers through her hair. He nipped her bottom lip. “You are a wildcat, aren’t you?”

  “Damn straight.”

  “Well, I think this wildcat could use a little taming.” He turned her over and spanked her soundly.

  * * * * *

  The flight from Philadelphia to California was delayed by an unexpected snowfall. By the time the plane landed, it was too late to stop by the office and see Pete, so Ross collected his luggage and took a cab to the nearest hotel. He could have called Pete and spent the night at the Harmon house like he had done in the past, but he didn’t want to be near Connie any more than was necessary. He arrived at the office bright and early the next morning.

  “Hi, Ross, it’s good to have you back on the team.”

  Ross regarded Gail with a bewildered expression, but he didn’t correct her. His sole purpose was to find out exactly what Pete had on his mind and head back home. He shrugged out of his leather jacket and hung it over the back of a chair. “Hi Gail, is Pete in yet?”

  “He called and said he’ll be a little late, but for you to go into his office and wait for him. The papers he wants you to look at are on his desk.”

  Ross headed in the direction of Pete’s office when another man walked up to him and held out his hand. “Hi, I’m Charles Davenport. You must be Ross Garrison.”

  Ross accepted the handshake. “Yes, I am.” He entered Pete’s office and grabbed the manila envelope from the desk with his name on it. Charles stood in the doorway with a scowl on his face. “Is there something I can do for you?”

  “Yeah, you can stay away from Connie.”

  What the hell? “Excuse me?”

  “You heard me. I plan on marrying Connie, but she’s still hung up on you. She told me you want her back.”

  Ross took a seat and studied Charles. The man was tall, broad shouldered, and looked quite capable of handling Connie. “Is that what she told you?”

  Charles appeared puzzled and Ross felt bad for the guy. “She’s telling you tales. We said our goodbyes about a week or so ago when she followed me to Pennsylvania after I told her not to.”

  Charles rubbed his jaw thoughtfully. “Then you’re not here to get her back?”

  “No. I’m here because her dad wanted to discuss some matters with me.”

  “I’m sorry, man. I didn’t mean to assume anything.”

  “Don’t worry about it. If you don’t mind my asking, how does Connie feel about you?”

  Charles blew out a frustrated breath and walked further into the room. “She keeps blowing hot and cold. Sometimes she’s so sweet and I think we stand a chance and then she turns into a brat.”

  “That’s Connie. Her mother died giving birth to her. Pete’s a really nice man, but he’s too soft on her. Personally speaking, I think she needs a good spanking. It might help her to make up her mind.”

  Charles’s eyes widened in surprise. “Why didn’t I think of that? Thanks.” He shook Ross’s hand and whistled as he left the room.

  * * * * *

  Connie tiptoed into the waiting area of Harmon’s Software and spotted the coat on the chair. She’d recognize Ross’s leather jacket anywhere. She looked around and didn’t see Gail, so she moved further into the room and began searching the pockets for Ross’s cell phone.

  She licked her lips. She’d plant a bug in Miss Plain Jane’s ears and hopefully screw things up for Ross. It’s what he deserved for sending her back home like a naughty child. Just because she was in love with Charles Davenport, didn't mean she couldn't give Ross a bit of pay back.

  Connie chewed on her bottom lip. She really should let the guy off the hook and let him know how much she loved him, but it was much more fun stringing him along. She got more attention that way.

  Connie grabbed the jacket and almost dropped it when a shrill ring came from one of the pockets. She scurried into the ladies room and dug out the phone. Well, well, this was too good to be true. She cleared her throat before she answered the call.

  “Ross darling, it’s Connie. Do you want to tell her that we’re back together or should I?” Click. Connie clutched the phone to her chest and smiled, but her joy was short lived when Gail opened a stall door and hummed softly to herself as she washed her hands in the sink.

  “Repeat what you just heard and I’ll see that you’re fired.”

  Gail took her time drying her hands and fussing with her hair. She flashed Connie a smirk in the mirror. “I don’t think so. Besides, your dad signs my paycheck not you. I’m going to tell Ross everything you said to this woman you called Mia.”

  * * * * *

  Ross’s annoyance hit an all-time high as he continued to flip through the papers. Friend or not, Pete better have something else to show him or he’d blow a gasket for sure.

  “Ross, it’s so good to see you.” Pete hurried into the room. He shook hands with Ross before he sat down in the chair behind his desk. “How was your flight?”

  “Never mind the flight.” Ross slammed the papers on the desk. “What’s this all about, Pete? I already saw these papers before I left for Pennsylvania.” He didn’t intend to sound so angry, but he had a future to build with Mia and he hated to waste time on nonsense. Pete dropped his head in his hands. “What’s going on?” The man seemed to age right in front of his eyes.

  “I’m sorry, son. I can’t say no to my daughter and that’s the problem.”

  None of what Pete said made any sense. “What does Connie have to do with this?” Realization dawned on him and he ground his teeth. Blast, it was Connie’s idea to bring him out here, not Pete’s and as usual, her daddy couldn’t tell her no. “I came all the way out here for absolutely nothing, didn’t I?”

  Pete propped his elbows on the desk and cupped his chin in his hands. “You know I always considered you like the son I never had?”

  Ross itched to jump to his feet and demand an explanation, but he kept his cool. “I know, Pete, but I never gave Connie any false hopes concerning our relationship. Yeah, we dated, but she knew it was nothing serious and I told her so.”

  Pete slumped in his chair. “I just don’t know what to do anymore. It’s my fault. I tried to be both a mother and father to her and I failed miserably. She’s so used to getting her own way and I’m afraid there isn’t a man alive who could handle her.”

  “What about Charles Davenport? He seems very interested in Connie.”

  Pete shook his head. “Connie would chew him up and spit him out in a heartbeat.”

  “Don’t sell the man short, Pete.”

  That comment seemed to perk the old guy up. “Why, do you know something I don’t?”

  Both men turned at the commotion coming from the other room. Gail raced into the office with Connie nipping at her heels. “Are you going to tell him or should I?”

  Connie shot her a glare before turning to Ross. She held out his jacket. “Your cell phone rang while you were in here and I answered it.”

  Frowning, Ross took his coat and folded it over his arm. “Who was it?”

  Gail tapped her foot. “Go on and tell him, or I will.”

  “Plain Jane called, I mean Mia, and I made it sound like you and I were together.”

  Pete expelled a frustrated breath. “Connie, why would you do something so cruel to a woman you don’t even know?”

  “Because she’s a brat, Mr. Harmon.”

  They all turned to see Charles standing in the doorway.

  “And I know exactly how to handle a brat.” Charles took a step toward the willful blonde.

  Connie’s eyes widened in shock and she darted behind her dad. She propped a hand on her hip and tossed Charles a triumphant smile, but the beefy man kept right on stalking her. He bent at the waist and hoisted Connie over his shoulder. He made it as far as the door when Pete ordered him to stop.

  “Charles, do you have feelings for my daughter?”

  Charles spun around. “Yes, I do, sir. I
love your daughter and I want to marry her.”

  Connie gasped and twisted her upper body so she could look at him. “You love me?” Charles nodded.

  “Daughter, it’s your decision. If you love this man I’ll turn the other way, but if you don’t I’ll call the police and fire him to boot.”

  Silence thickened the air and Ross held his breath. God, he hoped Connie did the right thing.

  “I’ll be okay, daddy.”

  “If you need me, Sir, I’ll be in my office.” Charles smacked Connie’s backside and she let out a shriek. “There’s a matter that requires my immediate attention.”

  Pete’s jaw hung open as Charles swung around and walked out of the room. A few minutes later loud smacking and wails could be heard.

  Pete sat down behind his desk and shook his head in amazement. “Unbelievable. I’m truly sorry, Ross. I hope Connie hasn’t messed things up for you.” He held out his hand. “Good luck, son.”

  Ross called Mia on his way to the airport, but her phone kept going to voice mail.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Mia left work and instead of going home, she stopped by Park’s & Son Remodeling to chat with Becky, and hopefully calm down by the time Ross got back from California. She had checked her messages earlier and just by the sound of his voice, he wasn’t too happy. Well, tough shit, she wasn’t all that thrilled either. When she called Ross earlier the last voice she had expected to hear was Connie’s.

  Mia barreled inside the office and flopped down in a chair. She dropped her handbag on the floor by her feet and crossed her arms under her breasts.

  Becky arched a brow. “Gee, who pissed in your cereal today?”

  “Becky!” Jason admonished from the doorway. Despite his stern voice, he wore a grin on his face and rolled his eyes heavenwards. “What am I going to do with you? Clearly, Mia is upset about something. What’s wrong, Mia?”

  Mia’s fury almost choked her. “I don’t want to talk about it.” She’d just sit here for a while and stew over the phone call.

  Jason slumped in the chair beside her and stretched out his long legs. “Now you see, that’s the problem,” he remarked matter-of-factly. “You never want to talk about anything. How are we supposed to help if you don’t tell us what’s wrong?” He squeezed her shoulder gently.

  Jason’s sincerity took the wind out of Mia’s sails. “I’m sorry. I’m so angry right now I could spit nails.” She blew out a breath. “I called Ross earlier and Connie answered.”

  Becky piped. “The blonde bimbo?”

  Jason shot Becky a glare. “Becky, that’s enough.” He switched his attention back to Mia. “Are you sure about that?”

  Mia huffed, “I certainly know what I heard, Jason. Of course you’d stick up for your buddy.”

  “Now wait just a minute, young lady. If Ross is being accused of something, I want to make sure we have all of the facts before I kick his ass.”

  Shocked, Mia straightened in her chair. “You’d kick his ass for me?”

  “Of course I would. We’re family and if he’s screwed up, which I doubt because I know he loves you, I’ll make sure he hears about it.”

  Mia’s cell phone rang. She reached down for her purse and plopped it in Jason’s lap. “It’s probably him again and I’m too angry to listen to any excuses right now.”

  Jason dug through her purse and found the phone. “Ross, what’s going on?”

  “Hell if I know. You tell me. Put Mia on the phone.” Jason handed the phone to Mia, but she backed away as if he had handed her a snake. Ross was cursing a blue streak. “Tell him I’m in the bathroom,” she whispered.

  Jason sighed. “She said no, Ross.” Mia stomped on his foot. “Christ woman! Look Ross, it seems we’ve got a problem here.” Jason hobbled over to another chair far away from Mia and sat down. Becky giggled and earned a stern glare. Jason pointed at his wife. “You are getting a spanking… no, not you, Ross. Holy hell, I don’t know what is going on between you and Mia, but Becky will be eating her supper standing up tonight.”

  Mia paced back and forth while Jason tucked the phone against his ear and rubbed his foot. The poor man had only expressed his desire to help and she rewarded him by kicking him. Mia’s heart ached. Had she made a mistake trusting Ross? Were he and Connie together?

  Stop it, Mia. You were wrong before. Don’t be stupid and make the same mistake twice.

  She shook her head as if to clear it. Jason ended the call and gave her the phone. He tilted her chin so she had no choice but to meet his concerned gaze.

  “He wouldn’t explain anything to me. He said it’s a matter between you and him. There has to be a reasonable explanation, Mia. Give Ross a chance to explain, okay?”

  Mia expelled a long drawn out breath. “I’ll try.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  The more Mia tried to come up with a reasonable explanation as to why Connie had Ross’s cell phone the more insecure she became. For the life of her, she couldn’t think of any plausible excuse, but she had been wrong before. She sat on the couch with her arms curled around her legs and her chin propped on her knees.

  Ross should be home soon.

  That is if he was coming home.

  Tears welled in her eyes. Having him here the past two weeks had been like heaven on earth, and the time he was away dragged by so slowly. She missed him like crazy. It felt wonderful to have someone to talk to after a day at work. A tear trickled down her cheek.

  He and Connie had made an attractive couple that day at the restaurant. They complimented each other, with Ross so tall and dark and Connie with her long blonde hair and model thin body. Despair crept along her spine. She’d never be able to compete with someone like Connie. The woman had it all, looks, confidence, and money.

  A man as rich as Ross was couldn’t remain happy for too long living in a small two by four apartment. Maybe he had stayed there because he felt sorry for her and didn’t know how to tell her so he made up a story about Pete needing him to go back to California. If that were the case, then she’d end it right now. She would not be a charity case.

  The doorknob rattled and Mia jumped to her feet. She looked around and picked up the first thing that had caught her eye. As soon as Ross stepped inside the television remote hit the wall and the batteries flew out and rolled along the floor. Ross successfully dodged the shoe that was aimed at his head and set his suitcase down by his feet.

  Mia was breathing heavy as she watched him shrug out of his jacket and drape it across the back of the couch. He wore a long sleeved white dress shirt, black trousers and a scowl.

  Mia’s belly clenched at the sheer size of him. Dear God, how she had missed his smile, his sense of humor, and his loving! All she had done the past two nights was toss and turn. She couldn’t fall asleep without him by her side. It seemed like forever since she had laid eyes on him. Life had been empty without him. Her breath hitched. Ross Garrison was one sexy and handsome man.

  She bit her lip. Why did she throw that remote at him? The poor man didn’t even get a chance to open his mouth. She owed him an apology for her rash and impulsive behavior.

  “Ross, I-”

  “Save it.” He unbuttoned the cuffs on his shirt and slowly rolled up the sleeves one at a time. Mia’s gaze followed his every move and she wondered what he was doing. Once the sleeves were even with his elbows, he unbuckled his belt. Mia mouth grew dry and she swallowed hard. The leather made a rasping noise as it pulled through the loops on his pants. He folded the belt in half and turned it so his hand completely covered the buckle.

  “Go to your room and take off your pants and panties.”

  Oh, this was not good. “Ross, please listen for a…”

  “Now!”

  Mia spun on her heel and raced to the bedroom. She flicked open the button on her jeans and pushed them down her legs. The panties came next. She stepped out of her clothing and sank down on the bed. She had never seen him this angry before. She clutched the bedspread tightly. Sh
e’d take whatever he dished out as long as he didn’t turn his back on her and leave. She closed her eyes tight. Please don’t leave.

  “I promised I would never leave you again.”

  Mia jumped. She hadn’t meant to say those words out loud.

  “Not only do you need a reminder of that fact, but also for jumping to conclusions, and for doing whatever you did to Jason to make him yell. He didn’t rat you out, but my ears will be ringing for a while.”

  Mia heard every word, but her gaze remained focused on the belt dangling in his hand.

  He stepped further into the room and stopped when he stood directly in front of her. “Connie took my jacket while I was sitting in Pete’s office going through those papers he wanted me to look at. I had no clue that you called until Gail threatened to tell me what had happened if Connie didn’t come clean.”

  Mia clasped her knees together and stared at the carpet. Her eyes filled with tears. Boy, had she screwed up. Her temper and lack of trust had gotten the best of her again. She remained quiet and listened with growing regret as he calmly explained what happened next.

  Pissed because he had chosen to stay in Pennsylvania Connie couldn’t let it go without paying him back for dumping her. Tears rolled down Mia’s face and soaked into the collar of her shirt. “I’m so sorry.”

  The mattress sank beneath his weight. Mia moved to put some distance between them, but he grabbed her arm and yanked her against his side. “Not as sorry as you’re going to be.” His voice cracked like a whip.

  Mia gulped. She peeked at his face and immediately wished she hadn’t. Dark brows were drawn together, his eyes a narrow strip of blue, and his lips pressed into a firm line.

  Ross smacked his thigh. “Let’s get this punishment over with.” His voice boomed and startled Mia. She jumped from the bed and tried to make a run for it, but he caught her by the waist and upended her over his knees.

  Mia wriggled and twisted, but to no avail. The weight of Ross’s forearm pressed between her shoulder blades kept her in place while he wound his hand in her hair until it was tight to her scalp.