CHAPTER SIX
Charlie
Almost five weeks pass and every time I see her, I find myself nearly overcome with need. Charlotte is simply beautiful at all times. Of course, the image of her that fills my head when she’s not around is the completely free and unrestrained sight of her dancing. That image is the only image of her that shows a girl utterly unstressed and devoid of self-doubt and self-recrimination. That moment is a picture of happiness I want to relive over and over again.
I also want another kiss.
Who the hell am I kidding? I want another kiss and I want far more than a kiss. I want to see her just as unrestrained, but instead of on the dance floor, moving atop me or beneath me or in front of me or… God, I want her!
“Charlie?” Her voice startles me and although I ordinarily stand up when someone enters my office, I can’t stand now, because if I do, Charlotte will see that I have been thinking about her. I fidget just thinking about how obvious my erection is beneath my jeans.
“What’s up?” I ask nonchalantly. I can’t disguise the huskiness in my voice. It doesn’t help that she is wearing jeans today. She realized soon enough that formal business attire didn’t fit in and after a few days of lovely suits, she showed up in more casual clothes. There may be more incredible sights in this world than the sight of Charlotte in tight blue jeans, but nothing comes to mind.
“Do you have a second to talk about the Snohomish property?”
“Of course,” I say. “Have a seat.”
She smiles and walks in. I keep my eyes on her face as she makes her way to the chair in front of my desk. I do that primarily to keep myself from letting my eyes wander very obviously all over her body. After she sits, she says, “I think the biggest problem we’re facing right now is the engineering firm.”
That’s surprising.
“Really?” I’m not happy about what I think she’ll say next.
“I know you hired them, because you wanted someone local, but their billing doesn’t add up at all. I’m beginning to think they’re intentionally drawing out the process just to get their monthly fees and then, of course, their normal engineering fees.”
“Do you?” My heart sinks. I hate it when someone plays me for a rube.
“Actually,” she says. “I’m… well, I’m not just beginning to think it. I’m quite sure of it.” She looks worried, as if I’ll lash out at her for discovering it. I’m about to reassure her, but she continues. “I called the city, and the county, and then the recorder’s office. I also called the real estate agent handling the sale, who is about as angry as someone can be at how long it’s taking.”
She pauses and even though I know what she says next is going to be infuriating, I say, “Go on.”
“The bottom line is all of the quitclaims and grant deeds are already at the title office and they’ve already been recorded. We’ve had clear title for the past four months and you’ve paid them almost forty-seven thousand dollars, since them just because they didn’t tell the title officer or you.” She pauses, waiting for me to fly off the handle, and I can see the fear in her eyes. She’s right about one thing. I’m about as pissed off as a man can be.
I’m also astounded at her thoroughness. That file is new to her. This is only her second day with it. “I can’t believe I’ve had that file on my desk all this time,” I say. “I should have given it to you your first day.” I dial a number on the phone and put it on speaker.
When Evergreen’s receptionist answers, I say, “Tina. I need Tom now.”
“Mr. Hubble?”
“Now, Tina.”
“He’s in a meeting, Mr. Hubble,” she says. She’s a sweet girl and I don’t want to be mean to her, so I try to make it clear that my anger has nothing to do with her.
“Tina, I’m ticked off at Tom right now. Not you, Tom. I don’t care if he’s meeting with the governor of Washington. Tell him to get on the phone or get ready for a lawsuit.” I hear Charlotte take a deep breath and I glance at her. She seems flushed. Have I just turned her on?
A moment later Tom says, “I’ve only got a minute, Charlie.”
“You’re right about that, Tom,” I say. “You’ve got a minute to adjust our bill and cut a check for what I’ve overpaid you. You’ve also got a minute to get everything into permitting and you’ve got a minute to overnight all of the maps.”
“Charlie,” he says. “What are you talking about?”
“Tom,” I say. I can tell my voice is dark and filled with menace. “That’s the wrong approach. Let me make sure you understand something. I know. There’s no use pretending and it won’t get you anywhere. You can fix this and there won’t be a lawsuit, which forever tarnishes your firm’s reputation. If you decide to continue to play this game, I will end your firm.”
There’s a brief pause and he says weakly, “Hold the line please.” I look at Charlotte. Her eyes are on me, and she looks perfect.
Tom comes back on the line. “I’ll put the check in with the maps and if I can get to them in time, I’ll enclose the submission receipt.”
“Smart decision,” I say and hang up.