Touch Me Softly Read online

  "Mr. Summerfield," Kane turned to him and said. "Will you be staying in our city during the course of your case?"

  "No, but I will be here for two more weeks. I am staying at a hotel on the north west side of the city." Jareth replied.

  "The firm maintains a suite at the Harbor International. I am happy to extend its use to you and I hope you will accept."

  "The offer is appreciated, and with consideration and the hope of building a strong business relationship with you and your firm, I accept your hospitality," Jareth stood and shook hands with Mr. Kane. Who then politely excused himself from the meeting, saying he felt comfortable leaving the details to Mrs. Lancaster. However, I still had questions, and many concerns about the case. After all, I was the research specialist, and much of the work would fall on my shoulders. How could I hope to locate one painting that hadn't been seen since world war two? Before I could utter a word, Jareth looked directly at me, his sexy, dark green eyes gazing over me and spoke. "Miss Wittmyer," he smiled. I hope this isn't too forward, but could we possibly meet later this evening; dinner perhaps?" He asked in the most polite manner.

  A little startled by his invitation, I sat there quietly for several seconds. "Uh... Sure. Where would you like to meet?" I asked. "Here at the office," I quickly added.

  Jareth leaned back in his chair while glancing around the office. "I'm afraid I'm not free till late this evening. I was hoping you could meet me at the hotel," he said. "I assume they have a suitable dining facility... We could have dinner," his eyes quickly turned to Mrs. Lancaster obviously seeking her endorsement to his suggestion.

  "That shouldn't be a problem," she said as she turned to me. "Quin will be there Mr. Summerfield... What time?"

  "Is nine o'clock acceptable to you Miss Wittmyer?"

  It quickly became apparent that I didn't have a choice in this ordeal. Nine o'clock was a little late for a work dinner, but if I kept it one hundred percent business, I might make it home by eleven o'clock. No small talk. No bullshit. Just dinner and an exchange of information. I would get what I needed and call it a night. "Sure... Nine o'clock is fine, Mr. Summerfield. Excuse me, I mean Jareth."

  "Mr. Summerfield," Mrs. Lancaster spoke. "If you would like, Quin can meet you for lunch at the Harbor International at noon. She can also take the time to get you settled into your new room," she smiled then turned to me with a glaring look.

  "Thank you, Mrs. Lancaster. Lunch with Miss Wittmyer sounds inviting," he answered as his piercing eyes shifted to me. "Well then, it appears my time with you two ladies has come to an end. Mrs. Lancaster, thank you for your time and attention to this matter. It truly has great importance to my family," he said as he shook her hand. "Miss Wittmyer," he turned and extended his hand. "I look forward to seeing you at lunch," Jareth smiled then quickly walked from the conference room.

  The second Jareth left the room, Mrs. Lancaster started doting about him. She thought he was the hottest thing that had ever walked through the doors of the firm. Nevertheless, her goo-goo eyes were quickly replaced by eyes of greed. For the next twenty minutes, all she spoke of was the retainer and how she might be able to land the entire Summerfield family as clients. She wanted to be made partner, and signing a family with 'old money' would put her on the short list. His money meant nothing to me; paralegals couldn't be partners. We could hold a 'limited interest' in the firm, but I was way to new for such a promotion. Besides, I was more interested in Jareth's story. There was something about him that reached out and grabbed me. Learning more about him was my only interest. As I sat there, listening to Mrs. Lancaster ramble on, I twirled my pen in my fingers and thought to myself. Where was he from? Who is this guy that just strolled into my life? I couldn't shake the feeling I was being misled. Not lied too, just not being told the entire truth. He was all I could think of the entire day.

  It was ten minutes after eleven when Mrs. Lancaster walked into my office. "Shouldn't you be on your way to lunch?" She asked, but it wasn't a question she wanted an answer too.

  "I was just leaving Mrs. Lancaster," I answered as I grabbed my purse and stood from my cluttered desk.

  "Okay, I was just checking on you. So listen Quin, don't screw around with this. Do not, and I mean it, do not question his motives for this search. This Summerfield family could turn out to be important for this firm," she smiled as she walked me to the elevator. "So don't screw around. Be professional and show him this firm can provide solutions," she gave me an encouraging smile as the elevator doors closed. The truth was she didn't care so much for the firm, as she did about her advancement in it.

  Once I arrived at the Harbor International Hotel, I went right to the concierge desk to inform Jessica of Jareth stay. Jessica and I had become friends over the past few months. I first met her when I started at the firm and had to smooth over an invoice with the hotel. "Hi Jess," I greeted her.

  "Hey Quinie," she smiled. "Oh my God... you have got the greatest job on earth," she said softly as if trying to be private.

  "What are you talking about?"

  "Ahh, Mr. Summerfield," she answered as her head swiveled around making sure no one was within earshot. "He is so hot. And you get to work with him on a project," she wooed over the thought of him.

  "Jess, it’s not like that. He's a client, that's all."

  "Well, I guess that makes him my client also," she smiled with a devilish grin.

  "Fuck me," I whispered to myself. "He's already here?" I asked in a slightly panicked tone.

  Shaking her head yes, she answered. "Oh, but don't worry, I took care of him and got him into the suite. He's up there now," she said. "Matter of fact, he said you would be here soon and asked that you come up when you arrive," she winked.

  Trying to convince Jessica that sex wasn't involved would be like trying to run a marathon. Sure, I could do it, but it would take forever so why bother. Jessica handed me a suite key and I quickly walked to the elevator. Once again, I was late. I should have been here before Jareth and had everything arranged for him. This day wasn't getting any better for me. As the elevator doors opened, I stepped into the suites foyer. "Mr. Summerfield," I called out and paused for a second as I listened for his response. Several long seconds past and I heard nothing. Inching forward, I glanced around looking for some sign of him. I could see his shoes on the floor, a suit jacket draped over a sitting chair, But no Jareth. I took several more nervous, steps into the suite and called out again. "Jareth," I said a little louder. "I'm here for our lunch." Once again, several long seconds past by and there was no response.

  "Miss Wittmyer," a voice said from behind me. Instantly, I dropped my purse and let out a frightened scream as my hands shot up to cover my mouth. I knew who it was, but couldn't control the sudden jolt of fear that raced through my mind. I was never good with surprises. "I'm sorry. I didn't intend to startle you," Jareth said.

  "You scared me half to death," I said as I turned to face him, only to be put into a state of pure shock. "Ah, you’re not dressed," I stuttered as my eyes followed the trails of dripping water down his beautifully, sculpted chest to his washboard, abdominal muscles. "Oh my God," I turned away.

  "I have a towel wrapped around me," Jareth laughed. "Give me a minute he added."

  I heard the French doors swing closed behind me. Immediately, I turned around to see an empty room. Jareth had retreated to his room to dress and I was left embarrassed, if not slightly aroused. Confused, I thought to myself. Why did he do that? He had to know I was there. At the office he acted professional and polite. My thoughts quickly returned to his half-naked body. Standing before me, wrapped only in a towel, Jareth was simply the sexiest man I had ever seen. The way the water followed the contours of his muscles was indescribable. But if I had to make an analogy, I would say it was like a trickling stream flowing down a mountain. Just when you thought nature couldn't be more beautiful, the stream grew into a river that sliced through the most gorgeous flower-filled meadow.

  Several minutes went
by and I found myself day dreaming about Jareth. If I had reacted differently, where would we be right now? Would I be in his arms? The thought of his hands gently caressing my pearly, white skin sent goose bumps popping all over my body. I sat down on the edge of the couch in the parlor and closed my eyes. Slowly, my mind painted a picture, Jareth leading me into his bedroom. Reaching the bed, he turns to face me as he pulls me closer. Never saying a word, his hand rises to my cheek and caresses me as our lips draw closer and closer. Finally, ever so softly, they touch and Jareth's fingers softly dance over my skin as they drift down my neck. Again, goose bumps explode over my entire body as if it was a cascading, chemical reaction and I could feel my desire for Jareth growing deep inside me.

  Suddenly, my whimsical, sexual fantasy was shattered. "Miss Wittmyer," Jareth called my name from behind the closed French doors. "I'm coming out now and I wouldn't want to scare you again," he laughed.

  "Very funny," I answered sarcastically. "There's several comedy clubs in the city... Maybe you should try an open mic night."

  Jareth answered my comments with his own sarcastic laugh as he swung open the doors and walked into the parlor. "By all means Miss Wittmyer, make your self at home," he smiled.

  Instantly, I stood. "I'm sorry."

  "It's a joke," Jareth said. "Relax. We're not at your office," he added as he strolled towards the dining area of the suite. "Can I offer you something to drink? Some wine, maybe?"

  "Sure. A glass of wine sounds nice," I said following him.

  "Please," Jareth gestured towards a chair. "Sit down. I've already order room service and it should be here shortly," I smiled as he handed me a glass of red wine. "So, Miss Wittmyer, tell me a little about yourself," Jareth smiled as he measured the scent of the wine.

  For the next twenty minutes, my life was an open book to him. I told him almost everything there was to know. My hopes, my dreams and even my sorrow's. The way listened as I described my heartache when I lost my father touched me. It was as if he was feeling my pain with me. Truth be told, it felt good to talk openly about his loss. I had never opened my heart to anyone about such matters, not even Cindy, my best friend. Finally, our lunch arrived and I thought it would be a good time to ask Jareth some questions.

  "Well, I've told you everything there is to know about me — tell me something about you," I tilted my eyes up from my Caesar salad to meet his.

  "What is it that you would like to know, Miss Wittmyer?"

  "To begin with, stop calling me that. Call me Quin. After all, you make me call you Jareth," I giggled slightly. "And as for my question... I've got so many."

  "Simple... Start with just one," he said.

  "Hmm, let's see. Okay, how old are you?" I snickered a bit.

  "Age, huh. What is it about numbers that people get so hung up on?" He looked at me with an intent gaze. "What I mean is: does a person’s age truly change anything about that person? Or is age a construct that holds us all back in some way?"

  "Wow. That's deep," I stared back at him as I leaned in closer. "But you didn't answer my question," I smiled sarcastically.

  Jareth leaned away from the table and set his glass down slowly. "You're good," he said. "How old do you think I am?" He asked with more a serious tone to his voice.

  "Now-now. That wasn't the question either, Mr. Summerfield."

  "Well, it appears I'm not going to get out of this one," he leaned in closer to me as he picked up his wine glass, sipping it slowly. "I'm twenty-five years old, Quin."

  "Really, I thought you might be younger," I said. Just then, Jareth's cell phone rang and he answered.

  "Bonjour. Avez-vous envoyé ce que j'ai demandé?" he said in French. "Accrochez-vous. Im pas le seul." Jareth set the phone down and turned back to me. "Quin, I'm sorry to do have to do this, but I'm afraid I must cut our lunch short," He smiled with an apologetic tilt of his head. "This call will take some time and I must take it," he added.

  "Jareth, I completely understand," I said as I stood. "This sort of thing happens all the time in business," I added as he walked me to the elevator. "Are we still meeting for dinner?" I asked.

  "Absolutely," he said as the elevator doors closed.

  Chapter Three

  My fascination with Jareth Summerfield helped the rest of my day go by quickly. Five o'clock rolled around before I realized it. I spent all day searching Google, Yahoo and any other halfway, respectable search engine for the slightest bit of information about him. I found nothing, not even an honorable mention on someone's Facebook page. How can someone live in today's world and not have the smallest digital footprint? I can Google my eight year old nephew and get at least three results. I pondered.

  After packing up briefcase, I grabbed my purse and stopped for the day. Making the hike to where I parked my car gave me time to think. How could I learn more about him? Then it came to me...I could call Robert. Being a police officer, he would surely have access to information I didn't have. I never asked him for such a favor, and was unsure if he would help me. But at this point, I was desperate. The second I reached my car, I tossed my briefcase in the backseat and reached into my purse, searching for my cell phone. I didn't have a second to waste. In a few hours, I would once again, be face to face with Jareth Summerfield. I was determined to learn more about him before our diner together. Sitting there, waiting for Robert to answer his phone drove me crazy. Finally, on the fourth ring, Robert answered. "Rob, its Quin. I have an important favor," I said quickly.

  A snide laughed echoed over the phone. "Wow. You're really going to ask me for a favor after throwing me out of your bed?" He asked in an irritated tone.

  "Yeah, I'm sorry about that. If it weren’t important, I wouldn't ask.

  "Whatever... So what's this important favor?"

  "I had a meeting with a new client today, and there's something about him that bugged me a little. And you know how I am; I tried to look him up on the Internet, but came up empty."

  Robert let out a sarcastic laugh. "That must have driven you nuts," he said as he continued laughing.

  "Rob, you don't get it... I found nothing on him. I searched all day and didn't find a single thing about him," I stressed to him. "Is there any way you could help if I gave you is name?"

  "What the hell do you want me to do?"

  "I don't know, run his name through your police computers. Find out whatever you can about him," I begged.

  "I could run him... What's his name, date of birth and address?"

  "Shit. You need all that info?" I asked.

  "No, but it would ensure I get the right results."

  "All I have is his name. It's Jareth Summerfield, oh, and he's twenty-five years old," I said.

  "Not a lot to go, but I'll try," he said. "The only good thing is the name... It's unusual so I might be able to find out something. How do you spell it?"

  "J-A-R-E-T-H and Summerfield is spelled how it sounds. And Rob... Thank you."

  "Well, don't get too excited. It’s still a long shot, okay."

  I felt horrible knowing that I was using Roberts’s feelings for me to ask a favor from him, but it was important. At least that's what I told myself. Robert had been in love with me since we first dated years ago. The problem was I didn't feel the same way. Yes, I loved him. Unfortunately, not with the same passion, he had for me and it felt wrong to keep each other from finding that same passion. He was a great guy and surely, there was a girl out there that would love him equally. Unfortunately, it wasn't me.

  My drive home felt as if it took forever. Everything was magnified and my nerves were on edge. Every traffic light, every slow down, the entire drive felt like it was in slow motion. All I wanted was for Robert to call me back and tell me something about Jareth. It didn't have to be mind blowing; I would take anything he could find. When I arrived home, I was more than a little surprised to see Rob's navy blue police car parked out front. Had he really found out something that fast? I quickly parked and ran inside, so fast that I broke a heal
on my way. "Rob," I yelled out as I opened my front door. "Did you find anything?"

  "You need to come in here and sit down," he answered me from the living room.

  Walking into the living room, I noticed Cindy sitting on the far side of the room in her rickety, old rocking chair. Her brother, Robert, stood in front of the fireplace; arms crossed and in his police uniform he had a commanding presence. "Quin, sit down for a minute," he said.

  "Rob, what is it?" I asked as I sat down and crossed my legs. "What did you find?"

  "Who is this guy?" He asked.

  "I told you... He's a new client at the firm," I said as I stood and walked towards Robert. "He came in this morning and I wanted to know more about him."

  "Well, I ran his name through every database available to law enforcement and didn't get a single hit on his name," Robert sighed. "Do understand what that means?" He asked.

  "That he's a good guy" I laughed.