Free Amaryllis by Nikita Lynnette Nichols Page A

world. It’s my pleasure to meet you, Amaryllis.”
    Amaryllis took the rose from him. “What a gentleman. Thank you, James.”
    â€œYou’re not letting Mickey work you too hard, are you?”
    Amaryllis wiggled her fingers. “That’s an understatement. I’ve been typing since eight o’clock this morning and now I can’t feel my fingers or legs.”
    James gave Michelle the remaining eleven roses. “These are for you, and you should be ashamed of yourself.”
    Michelle inhaled the scent from the roses. “Amaryllis is a professional, she can handle it.”
    James looked at Amaryllis sympathetically. “Sorry, I tried.” He grabbed Michelle’s free hand and kissed the back of it. “Have you eaten yet, beautiful?”
    â€œNot yet. I was just about to ask Amaryllis if she wanted to go to lunch.”
    â€œLooks like I’m just in time, then. I’ll treat you both to a nice juicy steak. How about it, Amaryllis. Are you up to it?”
    â€œI appreciate the offer, but I’ve got too much work to do,” Amaryllis replied.
    Michelle was grateful to Amaryllis for helping her out, but she certainly didn’t want her to think that she was being taken for granted. “Sis, I don’t care how much work needs to be done, I never expect you to work through your lunch or your breaks. I think it would be great if you come to lunch with us.”
    â€œThanks again, guys, but to be honest with you, I just don’t feel like going to a restaurant.”
    â€œAre you sure?” James asked.
    â€œYeah, I think I’ll go next door to the deli and get a salad,” Amaryllis said.
    Michelle ran a soft hand across Amaryllis’ sore shoulder. “Okay, but I expect for you to spend your entire lunch hour relaxing. Why not go to the employees’ lounge on the second floor and put your feet up?”
    â€œThat’s sounds like a good idea. Maybe I will.”
    James withdrew a twenty dollar bill from his wallet and gave it to Amaryllis. “Since you’re not dining with Mickey and me, enjoy your salad on me.”
    Amaryllis was in awe at the kindness of this man. “You don’t have to buy my lunch, James.”
    â€œEven though you’re not eating with us, I’d still like to treat you today.” James smiled.
    Amaryllis placed the money in her wallet. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”
    Michelle gave Amaryllis the bunch of roses she was holding. “Can you put these in water and place them on my desk for me?”
    â€œOf course I can. Have a good lunch.” Amaryllis stood up.
    When James and Michelle got to the elevator, he turned around. “Can we bring you anything back?”
    He was smiling and Amaryllis could see his dimples. James was handsome and a complete gentleman. He treated her sister with the utmost respect and Amaryllis understood why Michelle was crazy about him. She focused on his dimples and smiled back at him. “No, thanks.”
    When the elevator doors closed, Amaryllis sniffed her single rose and thought to herself, He’s in love with Michelle and she barely lets him touch her. I wonder if he’s content with that. A man like James shouldn’t be deprived.
    She placed Michelle’s roses in a vase and filled it with water, then set the vase on Michelle’s desk next to James’ picture. She picked up the photograph and looked at his smile. “No, you shouldn’t have to be deprived, James.”
    The telephone rang and she sat down at Michelle’s desk to answer it. “Price & Associates, Amaryllis speaking.”
    â€œWhat’s up, ghetto fabulous?”
    â€œBridgette, I left you a message on your voice mail for you to call me here three hours ago. What took you so long to call me back?”
    â€œAmaryllis, when it’s ten o’clock your time, it’s twelve noon my time. I was at lunch.”
    â€œOh yeah, I forgot