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“Reign Resorts, Mr. Powell’s office?” the woman, who I assumed was Jack’s secretary, answered.
“Hi, is Ja—ah, is Mr. Powell available please?”
“Who’s calling?” Though it was a question, it sounded more like a test. Who I was would determine whether Jack took the call. I knew about this game. My father had a “take call” list. Only certain people got through.
I wasn’t one of them.
Something I’d figured out by the third time I’d called his office, and was told he was busy, and to leave a message. It wasn’t until I’d started working for him and overheard a discussion with his secretary about the “take call” list that I’d understood. He’d wave conversations and people off. And, I realized I was one of those people. He never called back. So I stopped calling.
“This is Lana Case.”
There was not another sound, other than a faint click and then mute silence. I looked at my phone, wondering if she’d hung up on me. But the call still showed connected. Pressing my cell back against my ear, I waited. Anxiety rose. This was where Jack’s secretary buzzed him, told him who was on the line, and he’d decide whether or not to take the call.
Another few seconds passed until…
“Good afternoon.” Jack’s deep voice made happy chills dance across my skin. I leaned against the building in relief.
“Hi.” I’d dialed him, and that was all I could think to say. My smile was too wide to get more words out at the moment. I was on his “take call” list. And the idea of that made my chest hurry to keep up with the happy breaths I was taking.
“How are you?” he asked.
Still smiling like a goof, realizing that a simple acknowledgment was all it took to make my day, I said, “I’m really good.”
“You sound like it. I can hear the smile in your voice.”
“Yeah, I’ve had a good day, and a good evening last night.”
“Have you?” There was a small smile in his voice that time. “Tell me, what events of your day and previous evening have you so happy?”
“Well,” I sighed. “There’s this guy, and last night he showed me a delightful time, and today sent me the most beautiful flowers I’ve ever seen.”
“Interesting.”
“Yes, he is. He’s also kind of intense, but there’s a soft side to him I don’t think he wants anyone to know about.”
“Is that right? You sure about this soft side of this mystery man of yours?”
“Pretty sure. He cared enough to think of my comfort after…”
“After?” His voice was thick and raspy, the way it was right before he put his mouth on me. The sound sent a shiver down my back.
“After we were together last night,” I said, a little softer. “He sent me beautiful stockings and medicine in case I was…sore.” I hadn’t spoken like this out loud, but this game was fun, and it was my own way of thanking Jack for the glimpse of his sweet side.
“And you think this man’s actions are a symbol of softness?”
“Yes,” I smiled wider.
“Perhaps he sent you the medicine to ensure you’d be able to recover quickly and handle what he has planned next.”
I swallowed hard.
“And the stockings are all he’s expecting you to wear at this next encounter.” He tsked. “Instead of softness, sounds like he’s a rather selfish man who has plans for you. And isn’t willing to wait very long to carry them out.”
I bit my lip to keep from moaning? Gasping? I didn’t know. Because everything in his voice was serious. And he always seemed to respond when I stood up and acknowledged him or his threats—or promises.
“Unless you say no, that is?”
He had told me before that I always had that option. Only “no” was one of the last things I wanted to say when it came to Jack.
