worry, I won’t take up much of your time.”
HOLY FUCK! What is ‘he’ doing here! “Ian! Why are you here? You can’t be here right now.”
“I apologize for dropping in, but after I had left your office, I realized we didn’t discuss details. So, I brought you an accurate list of what I am looking for.”
“You could have called me at the office tomorrow.”
“Yes, I could have.”
“Vanessa? Are you going to introduce me to your friend here?”
“Sorry, Brytney this is Ian, a client of mine.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Ian.”
“Brytney, it’s a pleasure.”
“Hey Vanessa, where are all of you at?”
“Shit! Vince is here. Ian, you have to go…I’ll see you on Wednesday.”
“There you are…wow! Dinner smells great.” Vince comes up to me and wraps me in his arms. I can see Ian tense up looking like he is pissed that I’m in another man’s embrace.
“For fucks sake, Vince you’re going to crush her!” Alice says as she is walking into the kitchen. “One of these days Vanessa, that brother of yours is gonna squeeze one of our heads off with those hugs of his.” I laugh as Vince puts my feet back on the ground.
“Your brother?”
We all turn and look at Ian as he steps forward with his hand extended to Vince.
“Hi, I’m Ian.”
“Nice to meet you, Ian and yes that’s me, Vanessa’s big brother. I’ve never seen you around here before. How do you know Vanessa?”
“I’m a client, she will be assisting me in finding a new home.”
“Good deal, she’s the best. You’ll be in good hands with her.”
“Yes, I’m looking forward to seeing what those hands are capable of.”
“So Ian, will you be joining us for dinner?”
“NO!” I interrupt Vince. “He just stopped by to drop off some papers I needed.”
“I see…so where is Shayne?” Vince asks
“He’s running late; he said to go ahead and start without him.”
“Well, there you go…we have an extra plate. Come on Ian, we’ll head into the other room while the ladies finish up in here.”
“Holy shit, Vanessa! You didn’t say he was a walking orgasm!”
“Shut the fuck up, Brytney!”
“Oh no, keep talking Brytney.” Alice chimes in. “I agree with you that man is one fine piece of ass.”
“Alice! Vince is in the other room!”
“Yeah, so what - looking doesn’t hurt. Besides your brother would laugh and tell me ‘in my dreams.'”
“Okay, enough of this talk; let’s get dinner out there so I can get Ian out of here fast!”
“This is delicious, Vanessa…My compliments to the cook.”
“Thank you, Ian. Glad you’re enjoying it. Would you like another glass of wine?”
“Yes, that would be nice, but please allow me. I will go and grab another bottle.”
“Damn, I thought you all would have been done eating by now.”
Oh, fuck! Shayne is home. How am I supposed to explain Ian? “We got a late start. Let me get you a plate.”
“Here we go, sorry it took so long. I couldn’t find the opener.”
Ian comes back into the dining room, his eyes travel straight to Shayne, just as Shayne’s eyes land on him. “Shayne, this is Ian. He’s a client of mine. He came to drop off some papers I needed and Vince invited him to stay for dinner.” I quickly explain to him.
“Well, isn’t that kind of Vince…always the friendly one. Aren’t you, Vince!”
“It’s nice to meet you, Shayne.”
“Yeah, you too. Vanessa’s clients have never made house calls before.”
“Shayne, sit down. Let me go get you a plate while the food is still warm.”
“So, Ian you’re looking to buy a house?
“Yes I am, and I’m confident that Vanessa will be able to get me exactly what I want.”
You can feel the tension between Ian and Shayne. This is not good…
After a long awkward silence, Ian says. “Dinner was lovely, thank you for an enjoyable evening, Vanessa. I must be going now, but I shall see you Wednesday at six.”
“I thought you said you were going shopping Wednesday?” Shayne says to me.
Oh fuck, Ian! Why did you have to open your mouth! “Yes, I was, but plans changed today. I am meeting with Ian to go over properties.”
“I apologize if I interfered with any plans you might have had, but I’m in a bit of a crunch for time and need to purchase a home quickly. You see, my other home sold quicker than expected and I have less than thirty days to be moved out and into my new home.”
“THIRTY DAYS! You did not mention that to me at the office today. Ian, with what you are looking for it’s going to take time.”
“As I’ve been told by many today, I’m in good hands with you, Vanessa. I’m confident you will please me in the choices you make. Now I really must be going.”
Ian approaches me and leans down... Oh, fuck! Please don’t put those lips on my skin… and brushes his lips across my cheek. “Vanessa, it has been a pleasure. Thank you again for an enjoyable evening. I shall see you on Wednesday.”
Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! I hope no one notices the fire burning in me!
“Shayne, Vince, Jack. It was nice meeting you. Brytney, Alice. It’s been a pleasure.”
Chapter Nine
“I don’t like him!” Shayne says to me the moment everyone is gone.
“What are you talking about?”
“IAN! That’s what I’m talking about! Since when do you have clients come to our fucking house; and when did you start having dinner dates with them!?” He shouts in anger.
“Shayne stop, I told you he needed to drop off papers. Vince is the one who
