Free Homewrecker Incorporated by S. Simone Chavous Page A

doubt he called ahead." I nervously played with the few golden strands of hair hanging loose from my French twist at the base of my neck.
    "What's the name?"
    "Michaels, Greyston Michaels."
    "Oh yes, here it is. Mr. Michaels made a reservation for eight. You're rather early, so it will be a few minutes before your table is ready. Would you like to wait at the bar?"
    "God yes," I replied.
    I definitely needed a drink. My run, shower at the gym, and subsequent trip to the Art Institute of Chicago took my mind off things for a time. I always felt close to my mother when I walked amongst the beautiful paintings and sculptures of the Institute. She loved art and would take Jess and I on spontaneous trips to museums and galleries around the country a few times a year. It was a passion that had rubbed off on me. Unfortunately, the instant I stopped and let my thoughts drift, I was right back there staring into the face of the man who walked away and ruined everything so many years ago. 
    The host helped me out of my cream peacoat, revealing the open back of my black and cream dress with red lacing across the low-cut chest. I might have been there for a business dinner, but my dress sent an entirely different message.
    "Vodka and soda," I said to the bartender when he approached. I definitely didn't nurse it and was ordering another just a few minutes later.
    "A woman after my own heart," a very sexy voice said against my ear.
    Much like the vodka, his presence got into my bloodstream and completely threw my body off balance. As much as I tried not to, I smiled when he stepped up right beside me, so close I could feel his warmth against the bare skin of my thigh. The familiar tension I felt low in my belly whenever he was around took on a whole new life. I longed for the touch of his hands on my bare skin.
    He glanced down at his watch. "I see you were even more anxious for our date than I was." 
    "Business meeting," I corrected with a sly grin. "And I always say if you're on time, you're late."
    Despite the protest of my body, which clearly wanted to get as close to Grey as possible, I was here to end our harmless flirtation, or whatever the hell it was between us. A task which would have better served with a sober, not fucked up by seeing my dad, mind. Who was I kidding? I'd known when I chose my dress for the evening that the night, very much like the day that preceded it, was not going to go to plan. At least not any plan I was willing to admit having.
    Grey looked even better than I remembered and his lips even more kissable in the dim light of the bar. Seeing him again, I realized how different he was from his brother, at least from the photos I'd seen of Gregory. Grey's hair was just a bit longer and more disheveled. Gregory was the picture of a disciplined businessman--everything in just the right place. Grey had a more carefree vibe about him.
    "So, Mr. Michaels--"
    "Grey," he interrupted.
    "So,
Grey,
what exactly is the purpose of the business meeting? Are you going to give me pointers on how best to serve your brother?" His jaw clenched and a fire lit in his eyes. "As his new assistant," I added, turning my body toward him. His face relaxed as I took a sip of my drink.
    "To the contrary, like I told you, I need a new assistant. I believe your talents will be better utilized serving me."
    He placed his hand over mine around the glass and pulled it toward him. His unexpected touch sent goose bumps over my skin. Keeping his eyes trained on me, he took a drink from my glass. His tongue flicked out over his bottom lip to catch a stray drop of the clear liquid.
    "My need for you is far more urgent than my brother's," he continued, his eyes burning into me as he took the lime from the rim of my glass and sucked it between his lips. "I'll have one of these, as well," he told the bartender without looking at him.
    I pulled my lip between my teeth and bit down to temper the urge to kiss him right there in the middle of the crowded