One of a Kind: Kind Brothers Book 1, page 11
“Maybe.” I gave a bashful smile.
She set down her wine and gripped my arms.
“Julia Benton is in love!” She pulled me into her. “I’m so proud of you for letting someone into your life again.”
“There’s just one problem.”
“What?” She broke our embrace.
“He doesn’t get involved in relationships because of his parents. I went and saw Dr. Strong yesterday and she told me he has avoidance anxiety, and that I need to be patient and give him his space when he needs it. She also said not to take it personally when he needs to distance himself from me.”
“Wait a minute. Are the two of you in more of a relationship than what you’re telling me?”
“No. Not yet.”
“Have you told him that you love him?”
“No. I’m kind of scared to considering he’s never been in a relationship before.”
“Then maybe it’s best you keep that to yourself for a while. Just wait and see how things go, and how they progress.”
“Yeah. I was thinking that too.”
“I want to meet him in person.”
“You are. He’s coming over for dinner tomorrow night.”
“Awesome. What are you going to make?”
“I thought maybe you could make your amazing bacon wrapped pork tenderloin with those garlic whipped mashed potatoes since I have to work. Anything I make will have to be a quick dish.”
“Alright. I’ll cook.”
“Yay! Thank you. I love you.” I hugged her.
“I love you too.”
“Make sure you clean up as you cook. He’s a total OCD clean freak.”
“Really?” Her brows furrowed.
“Yeah. You should see his closets.” I shook my head.
* * *
The next morning before I left for work, I received a text message from Sam.
“Good morning. I have a few stops to make before heading to the office. I just wanted to let you know I’ll be in later.”
“Okay. I’ll see you when you get there. Is there anything specific you want me to do?”
“Beside get naked and lay across my desk?”
“You’re cute.” I sent him the rolling eyes emoji.
“I know I am. I have a few things I want you to do while I’m gone. I’ll text you a list.”
“Okay. I still need to type up the Gatsby contract. It’ll be finished by time you get in.”
“Sounds good. I’ll see you later.”
As I was working on the contract, my phone rang and Luciano Levers, Steven’s attorney was calling.
“Hello,” I answered.
“Julia, it’s Luciano Levers. How are you, my dear?”
“I’m good, Mr. Levers. How are you?”
“I’m good. Listen, can you come to my office this afternoon around four o’clock? Mr. Hart put you in his will and since everything is now out of probate, it’s time to give you what Steven wanted you to have.”
“Wow. Really? Um, yes. I can be at your office at four o’clock.”
“Excellent. I’ll see you then, Julia.”
I ended the call and sat there for a moment while I processed what Mr. Levers said. I was in shock that Steven put me in his will. I finished the contract and went to the ladies’ room. When I got back, I saw Sam sitting behind his desk.
“Hey,” I said as I walked in.
“There you are.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.
“I was in the bathroom.”
“Not vomiting, I hope.” He smirked.
“No.” I laughed. “The Gatsby contract is done. All I have to do is print it.”
“Good. Before you do that, why don’t you shut the door.”
“Okay.” I walked over to the door and as I began to shut it, I felt Sam’s hand on my hip while the other hand met mine as I closed the door. He lowered his hand, locked it, and then closed the blinds.
Chapter 25
Julia
“Did you think I was kidding when I said I wanted you naked and laying across my desk?” he whispered in my ear which made my body tremble.
“Somehow, I knew you weren’t joking.”
His tongue slid across my neck as his hand groped my breast. His other hand slid up the back of my skirt and his fingers pushed my panties to the side. I gasped as he entered me and tilted my head to the side, giving him more access to my neck.
“You’re already so wet. Do you know how much that turns me on?”
“Tell me,” I moaned.
“It makes my cock as hard as a rock, and it throbs until it’s buried deep inside your warm, wet pussy.
My moans grew louder as his fingers pulsated inside me. I would never get used to the intoxicating feeling that overtook me every time I was with him.
“As soon as you come, I’m going to turn you around, take off your blouse and give your beautiful breasts the attention they deserve.”
An orgasm took over me as he spoke those words. My body trembled with delight as his hand that groped my breast moved over my mouth to keep me from screaming.
“There you go. Good girl. Your orgasms turn me on so bad.”
He turned me around and smashed his mouth against mine as his fingers unbuttoned my blouse. Slipping it off my shoulders, he tossed it to the ground along with my bra. His mouth left mine and traveled down to my breast while my fingers tangled in his hair.
“I need you right now, Julia.”
“I need you too, Sam.”
He led me over to his desk and told me to bend over. After taking down his pants, he pushed my skirt all the way up and took down my panties. I let out a gasp as he pushed his way inside me. The heat inside me rose quickly as he swiftly moved in and out of me. Our moans were in sync with each other’s as we both reached the state of orgasm together. Lowering my head, I tried to get my natural breathing rhythm back. He placed his hands on the desk next to mine and lowered his chin on my shoulder while he also tried to calm his breath. Pulling out of me, he pulled up his pants while I pulled up my panties and lowered my skirt.
“Here.” He smiled as he handed me my bra and blouse.
“Thank you.”
While I finished dressing, he took a seat behind his desk.
“I need to see those contracts now.”
“I’ll go print them out,” I said as I walked to the door. “By the way, I need to leave early today. I have a four o’clock appointment.”
“Okay. Sure. That shouldn’t be a problem.”
When I opened the door, Stefan was walking by. He stopped and turned around as I was running my hands through my hair.
“Did you and Sam just—” He moved his finger from side to side.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I nervously spoke as I went over to my desk.
“Judging by the way your blouse is buttoned wrong, I would say you did.” He smirked and I looked down.
“Shit.”
Stefan let out a laugh.
“Don’t worry about it. I won’t tell.” He gave me a wink and walked down the hallway.
* * *
“I need to head out now,” I said to Sam as I stepped into his office.
“Okay. I’ll see you later at your place.” He smiled.
“By the way, my sister is cooking a fabulous dinner since I’m working all day.”
“I’m sure it’ll be delicious.”
I climbed in my car and headed to Mr. Levers office. When I arrived, he took me into the conference room where I saw Gina sitting at the table.
“Gina?” I grinned.
“Julia.” She stood up and hugged me. “It’s been a while.”
“I know and I’m so sorry. I’ve been really busy with work.”
“I understand.”
“Please, Julia, have a seat,” Mr. Levers spoke. “As I mentioned over the phone, Steven left you something in his will. He wanted me to read this to you when the time came.
Julia,
You were a godsend that day in the restaurant. If you weren’t there, I’m not sure I would have survived. I always told you that you were an angel sent from God. Not only did you save my life, but you were also the best personal assistant anyone could ever ask for. In the three and a half years you worked for me, Gina and I considered you a part of our family. But you already knew that because we told you numerous times. I could never repay you enough for saving my life that day and I hope by me giving you your dream, that will be payment enough. I, Steven Grant Hart, give Julia Marie Benton, full ownership of the building located at 311 Sunset Blvd. in Venice, California. It’s time for you to make your dream come true, Julia. Open your coffee café and live life to the fullest. Never stop dreaming, my friend.
Love,
Steven
I placed my hand over my mouth and looked at Gina who sat there with tears in her eyes and a smile on her face. Instantly, the tears that swelled in my eyes began to fall.
“I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock right now.”
“You don’t have to say anything, Julia. All you have to do is do what Steven wanted.”
“Julia,” Mr. Levers spoke, “Steven also left you a lump sum of money in his trust to get the shop up and running. All you need to do is submit all expenses to me and they will be paid. You’re going to need someone to design the inside, and then you’ll have to hire a crew to come in and build it. I can give you some names.”
“Thank you. I already know a great company that can do it.”
“Great. I’ll get all the paperwork submitted, and I’ll bring you the keys in a few days.”
“Thank you, Mr. Levers.”
“You’re welcome, Julia. If you’ll both excuse me, I have other business to attend to.”
Gina reached across the table and took hold of my hand.
“He wanted this for you.”
“Why did he recommend me to Sam Kind if he was giving me the building?” I asked.
“Because he knew it would take a while to get everything sorted out and he didn’t want you to be jobless. You can still work for Mr. Kind while your café is under construction. Do you know what you’re going to call it yet?”
“I’ve always liked Mojo Madness. You know how everyone needs their coffee and if they don’t get it, it kind of creates a madness until they do.”
“I love it, and I can’t wait to see it. You call me if you need anything. Do you understand me?”
“Thank you, Gina. I appreciate it, and I will.”
We both stood up from our seats and walked out of the conference room.
“Let’s meet for lunch or dinner next week. It’s up to you,” Gina said.
“Definitely. I’ll call you.” I gave her a hug.
As I walked to my car, I was on cloud nine. I couldn’t believe Steven had done that for me. I was finally going to own and run my own coffee shop. I was so excited, and I couldn’t wait to get home and tell Jenni. Then reality set in and I came down from my high. I wouldn’t be working for Sam anymore, and I wasn’t sure how he was going to take it. He’d be excited for me, right? He knew this had always been a dream of mine and as close as we were, he would be happy for me. But I needed to wait to tell him. I needed time to process everything and make a plan.
Chapter 26
Three Days Later
Sam
Julia spent the night at my house since her sister had a visitor last night. I liked Jenni. She reminded me of Julia. As I was sitting at my desk, I took note of the paperweight that seemed out of place. I’d already adjusted it twice this week and then it hit me.
“Julia!”
“Yes.” She walked in with a sexy smile.
“Have you been messing with my paperweight?”
She began to laugh, and I knew right then and there she did.
“I just had to see if you’d notice. Sam, I barely moved it.” She continued to laugh. “A normal person never would have noticed.”
I sat there and cocked my head at her.
“You’re coming to my place tonight, and I’ll take the rest of the day to think about how I’m going to reprimand you.”
“Reprimand me? For touching your paperweight?” Her brow arched. “Bring it on, boss man.”
“Oh, I will. Don’t worry.”
“I’m not worried. I’m intrigued.”
My cock was starting to rise because her mere words turned me on.
“You need to get back to work.” I shifted in my chair.
“In all seriousness, I was going to ask you if I could come over tonight. There’s something I want to talk to you about.”
“Okay. You can talk to me after your punishment.”
“I look forward to it.” She flashed a sexy smile as she walked out of my office.
I let out a deep breath and leaned back in my chair. My phone rang, and when I picked it up, I saw Ken was calling.
“Hey, Ken.”
“Sam. You are never going to believe what I’m about to tell you.”
“What?”
“I found out who Steven Hart left the building on Sunset Blvd to, and it’s not his wife.”
“Who is it?”
“Julia Benton, your personal assistant.”
“What?” I quickly sat up. “Are you sure?”
“Positive. I heard it from my own attorney’s mouth. I want that building, Sam, and you’re going to get it for me. You do whatever you have to. Sweet talk her, marry her, whatever. Because if you don’t, our contract is done, and I will give the outdoor mall and hospital to someone else. I won’t be the only one losing out here. Your company will lose millions of dollars from me alone. You know I always get what I want, Sam.”
“Don’t worry, Ken. I’ll get you the building.”
“I know you will. I’ll be in touch.”
Click.
I slowly set my phone down and rubbed my face with my hands. I couldn’t believe Julia didn’t tell me. Maybe that’s what she wanted to talk about tonight. Why the hell would Steven leave her an empty building?
“Oh shit,” I said out loud.
He gave her that building so she could open a coffee shop. Fuck!
* * *
“Hey bro,” Stefan said as he walked inside my kitchen through the sliding door.
“Right now isn’t a good time. Julia is on her way over.”
“Okay? And?”
“I said it’s not a good time,” I shouted with irritation.
“Hey, calm the fuck down. What’s going on with you?”
“Ken called me today. You know that building he wants?”
“Yeah. The one over on Sunset Blvd.? What about it?”
“It turns out Steven Hart left it to Julia in his will.”
“Our Julia?” He asked and I shot him a look. “Does Julia know?”
“Yes, she knows, and she hasn’t told me yet. But she said she had something to talk to me about tonight, and I suspect it’s about the building.”
“Okay. What’s the big deal?”
“Ken told me that if I don’t get Julia to sell it to him, he’s pulling out and taking the outdoor mall and hospital with him. We’re talking millions and millions of dollars, Stefan.”
“He wouldn’t do that. He’s been with us for over ten years. Who else is going to kiss his ass the way we do?”
“You should have heard the tone in his voice.”
“Why does he want that building so badly?”
“Because his wife wants it for her shop. She’s been harping on him for a year about it.”
“Oh. Delilah is a bitch, too. Poor guy.”
“No. Poor me!” I jammed my finger into my chest.
“I think you’re getting yourself all worked up over nothing. What the hell is Julia going to do with an empty building? Ken can make her a very rich woman.”
“Her dream has always been to open a coffee shop of her own. And now, Steven made that possible for her. She’s not going to give up that building.”
“She might. You don’t know that until you talk to her. But you better stay calm about it.” He pointed at me. “The worst thing you can do is piss her off.”
I heard a car pull into the driveway.
“She’s here. You better go.”
“Okay. Keep me posted and remember, stay calm.”
I took in a deep breath as I walked over and opened the door.
“Hey.” I smiled as I brushed my lips against hers.
“Hi.”
“Can I pour you a drink?”
“A glass of wine will do.” The corners of her mouth curved upward. “Have you thought about how you’re going to reprimand me for touching your paperweight?”
“I have, and we can discuss that later. What did you want to talk about? You sounded kind of serious?” I handed her a glass of wine and poured myself a scotch.
“We can talk about that later.” She ran her finger down my chest.
“No. I would like to talk about it now.”
She narrowed her eye at me for a moment and took in a deep breath.
“Remember when I left early the other day for an appointment?”
“Yes. I remember.”
“It was with Luciano Levers, Steven’s attorney. Steven put me in his will.” She smiled.
“That was nice of him. What did he leave you?”
“A building over on Sunset Blvd. Actually, it’s about five minutes from here.”
I couldn’t keep the fact that I already knew about it a secret anymore.
“I know, Julia.”
“You do? How?”
“Ken called me this afternoon and told me.”
“Ken who?”
“Ken Kramer, our client.”
“Oh. Well, it’s finally happening, Sam. I’m going to open my very own coffee shop. But I don’t want you to worry. I’ll still work for you until it’s ready, and I’ll help you find another assistant and I’ll train him or her.”
“Whoa, slow down. So, you are going to go ahead with the coffee shop plan?”
“Of course, I am. You know it’s been my dream.”
“Julia, you don’t know anything about running a business.”
