Taken (Dark Desires 1)

“How’d you guess?” I replied.

“That is the only thing that could break apart two brothers.” She said, taking another sip of her drink. “Are you still with her?”

I shook my head no.

We talked a little more. I told her where I went to college, my favorite football team, the last movie I saw. She listened and sipped her beer making it last, so I could tell she wouldn’t have to take the one I offered. She was the kind of woman who didn’t want to owe anyone. What a rare find.

In a few sentences she had told me she was a secretary and why she had gotten fired. I was right. It was because of how she looked. I told her that too and watched a pleasant pink blush creep up her cheeks.

“Look, I know we just met but I might be able to help.” I said, reaching inside my suit jacket and taking out a gold business card holder. Flipping it open I pulled out a card. Then taking out my matching gold pen I wrote a number on the back of the card and handed it to Natasha.

“Monday, call this number and ask for Mrs. Ogawa in Human Resources. Tell her Joshua Hewitt told you to call. I can’t guarantee anything will come of it but…you never know.”

I almost laughed at the look on her face. It was as if she were a dog hearing a high-pitched whistle.

“What? You mean call about maybe a job?” she asked, stunned.

“Yeah, like I said. I can’t promise anything but someone with your experience and background I think would be a real asset. What’s the harm in calling, right?”

Tears came into her eyes. It wasn’t because she was so moved by my kindness. I knew that. She had had a bad day. When she was walked out of that building she felt like she was an inch tall if that. Giving a little person like her a boost would pay off in dividends.

“Thanks.” Was all she was able to squeak out. She took her cocktail napkin and dabbed at the corners of her eyes.

“Would you call me and let me know if Mrs. Ogawa can help you?” I asked as if I didn’t want to hassle or inconvenience her.

“My gosh. If anything comes of this I’ll take you for dinner.” She said. “It’ll be a McDonald’s dinner but dinner none-the-less.”

I had to laugh.

She looked at her watch and I could tell she was getting ready to leave.

“Are you in a hurry? It looks like it’s really raining outside. You might want to just stay for a little longer.” The truth was I didn’t want her to go.

Watching her look outside I saw her shoulders slump. She really did want to leave and I couldn’t understand why. What was the Universe trying to show me with this one that I was missing?

“I need to get home.” She said. “I’d love to stay and chat but I’m getting tired and it’s been a long day and whether or not Mrs. Ogawa can help me I still need to go to the unemployment office and get my resume in shape and…”

“I’m exhausted just listening to you.” I said. “Would you let me do one last thing?”

She pulled back a little as if I might ask for a kiss.

“What?” she was suspicious again. It was adorable.

“My driver is parked out back. Let me have him drive you home. You don’t need to stand out in the rain for the bus. I think you’ve had a hard- enough day.”

“Are you serious?”

I nodded my head.

“Okay?” she said, pursing her eyebrows together as if she didn’t quite believe me. I made a quick phone call and within a minute my car was in front of Liona’s.

“Come on. I’ll walk you to your ride.” I stood, picked up her banker’s box, held it for her and walked to the door. “Wait here.” I said as I stood under the tiny awning that was at the front entrance. My driver hopped out of the car with a wide black umbrella and stood holding it over me. I instructed him to take Natasha home and make sure he kept her address. He got back behind the wheel and I walked back to the awning where Natasha was standing with that look I always loved to see on women’s faces. That look of being totally impressed.

I stuck out my elbow for her to hold on to. She did and she wasn’t shy about it. This was fun for her. It was honest fun. And when she turned to face me I waited for the Universe to open the door wide in the form of a kiss.

“I really appreciate this. Thank you.”

And there it was. Natasha had her hand stuck out like we had just made the deal of a lifetime. I let a surprised laugh tumble out of my mouth and I shook her hand then brought it to my lips.