Hidden Depths Page 7

  She glanced back toward Aaron. Maybe she would take him up on that offer. Just as soon as she found out why Josh had come by last night.

  Gia had just finished with her last customer of the day and headed into the back to wash up when she heard Aaron talking much louder than necessary from the front desk.

  "Well, if it isn't the over tired, dumber than dog shit, friend of Gia's."

  Gia was just about to head back up front when she heard Josh's rich voice answer back, "Yes, I guess so. And you must be the muscle bound, tatted up, walking advertisement for anabolic steroids that Gia hired to act as a guard dog. Tell me, is it true what they say about steroids shrinking your dick? Or do they start small and all the muscles are just a way to over compensate for the inferiority complex?"

  Just as Gia came running around the corner, fearing for Josh's safety, she heard Aaron laughing. Not a pity laugh for the poor chump he was about to kill, but an actual, full on laugh.

  "So, I see you're a little quicker with the repartee when you're not dead on your feet. Still not too bright, though. I could still kill you."

  "Maybe, but I'm stronger than I look. And I'm fast." Now Josh was laughing. He stuck his hand out to Aaron, "Hi, I'm Josh Taylor. I'm a long time friend of Gia's. I was hoping to see her today, is she around?"

  "Now see, if you had tried that last night I might have told you she was at the gym."

  "I'm sorry, did you say gym? Gia... at a..."

  Gia had been standing there staring at the two men. She had no idea what was said last night, but it must not have gone well based on the greeting she'd just witnessed. Clearing her throat, she stepped forward, effectively ending their conversation before Josh could ask about the gym. Or manage to say something that actually pissed Aaron off. Better to keep things cheerful and amused before Aaron decided to get insulted and kill Josh after all. Although she wasn't entirely sure why she even cared.

  "Josh," she said by way of greeting. "I heard you came by last night. Is there something I can help you with?"

  If Josh was surprised by her cool demeanor he didn't show it. All that lawyerly training had served him well.

  "Yes, there is. I would like to take you to dinner tonight. I've been out of town for the last couple weeks and we need to talk."

  She tried to process the information that he had been gone, finally deciding it didn't really matter. Phones worked pretty much anywhere in the world these days. They definitely worked anywhere he might have been on business. Unless of course he was traveling for pleasure not business, in which case it might have been a little awkward to call with Deb sitting beside him.

  "What do we need to talk about that would involve dinner? We can talk here. There are obviously no customers right now and we're getting ready to close for the night anyway."

  Apparently thinking that was a hint, Aaron walked by Josh to lock the front door and turn off the signs, then grabbed his backpack like he was planning to leave. He turned and said, "Goodnight" and walked towards the back.

  Josh said, "Goodnight," at the same time Gia called out, "No, Aaron, you don't need to go."

  She glared at Josh then turned back to Aaron. "Really, you can stay. I can't imagine this will take all that long, then we can go over the new designs you've made."

  Looking a little unsure, Aaron leaned against the table at the far back to wait this out.

  Gia turned back to Josh. "Say whatever it is you came to say, please."

  He glanced back at Aaron, mumbling under his breath, then shrugged and started talking. "I wanted to apologize for not calling. And to explain. My father decided that as punishment I should go to Australia earlier than planned. I've been there for the last two weeks. With the time difference, by the time I was done working, it was the middle of the night here. I really am sorry, Gia. I did try to call before I left."

  She was trying to wrap her head around what he was saying, when a thought occurred to her. Punishment? Did his parents somehow find out about their little 'indiscretion' and send him away before she could do any real damage? "Punishment for what?"

  Josh looked confused by her question. "For Deb."

  "Your parents found out about us?"

  "No, Deb and I told them the engagement was off and Dad decided I should just leave the next morning."

  "Wait, what? Your engagement is off? When? Why? Oh my God, is this because of what happened with us? Does Deb know? That was just a mistake, Josh. You're all stressed about this wedding, feeling nervous about the future, and nipple rings seemed like a welcome break from that, but that's all it was. A stupid, foolish, one time mistake!"

  "You didn't know about me and Deb? Haven't you talked to anyone in the last couple weeks? How is that possible? Deb knows I kissed you, but that's all. And that isn't why we broke up. It just... wait... a one time mistake? Seriously? That's what you think that was?"

  "Well, yeah. What would you call it? It's not like we have a future or anything. We have nothing in common, we don't get along, and you wanna talk punishment? Just imagine the business trips Daddy would send you on if you ever brought me home."

  "I thought it was... more. I thought there was something there."

  "Yeah, I could tell. One phone call in three weeks really makes a girl feel special. "She shrugged, trying to appear more casual than she felt. One little orgasm didn't deserve this much stress. "Go home, Josh. It was just a stupid mistake. Hormones run amok. Go call Deb and patch things up with her. You guys belong together."

  She turned and walked past Aaron and back to her office, shutting the door behind her. A few minutes later she heard the bell ring over the front door and the lock click back into place.

  When Aaron knocked on her door, Gia expected questions. Instead he simply said, "Let me walk you to your car."

  She wished again that she could feel some spark for him. He was not only gorgeous, but an incredibly nice guy. She gave him a soft smile and followed him out.

  Chapter 11

  It had been six days and he still hadn't been able to get Gia to talk to him. He had tried calling, even swung by the shop again. She was always busy and she was dodging his calls. He still hadn't come up with any sort of a plan to change the status quo. Not in six days.

  Six long, painful, frustrating days.

  He swung again, feeling his bare fist connect with the bag. And again, this time there was a little sting of pain as his knuckles opened up. He welcomed it, hitting again and again, harder with each swing. He'd known he'd made a mistake by not calling her, he just hadn't known how big of a mistake it had really been. He should have stopped by before going to the airport, made more of an effort to see her. Called her immediately, or at the very least the next day. Instead he had waited until he'd had a chance to talk to Deb.

  He'd simply fucked up. And he still had no idea how to fix it.

  So he swung again, and again, welcoming the pain and the sweat, the burning in his arms as he beat at the heavy bag. Maybe if he was tired enough, hurting enough physically, he would forget about her. At least for a night.

  After another two and a half hours, he was physically exhausted, lying on the mat in his basement staring at the ceiling. Between the heavy bag, the free weights and the ten miles he'd logged on the treadmill, he was bruised, sore and almost too tired to get back up the stairs. When he heard his phone ring, he gave thought to ignoring it. Only the thought that it could, possibly, be Gia had him reaching for the cell phone.

  Answering without looking at the caller ID he barked out, "'Lo" by way of a greeting.

  "I'm sure I taught you the proper way to answer a phone when you were a child, dear, and that is not it."

  "I apologize. Hello, Mother. What can I do for you?"

  "Mmmmm. Better, if a bit sarcastic. You can come to dinner tonight. Your father and I wish to see you outside of work."

  "Not tonight, Mom. I just finished working out and I'm sweaty and exhausted. I'm in no mood to be suitable company for anyone."

  "Yes, wel
l, that is what we wish to talk with you about. Since you and Deborah separated, you haven't really seemed yourself. We feel that you and she should reconsider this split."

  With a deep sigh he tried hard to keep silent, Josh waited a beat, then two, before answering. "Mom, we told you weeks ago. Things with Deb and I have been over for a long time. We just made it official. There is no split, no separation... we're through. I realize that's not what you wish to hear, but it is final."

  "If that were true, I hardly think you would be as distressed as you seem to be, Joshua Taylor. You should really reconsider."

  "No, Mom. I'm not going to reconsider." He debated briefly whether to tell her there was someone else, then decided there was really nothing to tell. As of right now Gia wanted nothing to do with him. It was just as well to let them think this was all because of Deb. "Look, I have to go. You and Dad have a good evening."

  Without waiting for her to even say goodbye, Josh hung up. He was certain he would catch hell for that tomorrow morning at work. Fanny Taylor was never anything less than courteous. Manners, she believed, could make even the largest disagreements a more peaceful affair. Josh had always thought his mother was certain she could stop a war if everyone just used proper manners.

  When his phone rang again, he figured she was calling back to chastise him tonight rather than wait until morning. This time he answered with, "I'm sorry I was rude."

  He heard Blake laughing on the other end. "Well, okay. Although you haven't been rude yet. Just say you'll join us tomorrow night and I'll let it slide."

  "Tomorrow night where? And who's 'us'?"

  "The Tavern, of course and everybody. At least, I think so. Kelly, Scott, Shannon, Dev, and I'm pretty sure Deb will be there too. Is that going to be a problem?"

  "You know it won't, Blake." Blake had hesitated before running down the list of names, so Josh already knew the answer, but he asked anyway. "What about Gia?"

  On a long sigh, Blake answered, "I honestly don't know. No one said her name specifically, but I'd be surprised if she weren't at least invited. Unless... did you tell Deb about the kiss? Is that why you guys broke up?"

  "Damn, Deb is being really tight-lipped about this isn't she? She really didn't say anything to anyone while I was out of town?"

  "Not about that. Not to me, anyway. But you seem a little more... upset, than she does. We're all kind of thinkin' she dumped you. Although nobody else has a clue as to why."

  Josh laughed, a little self pityingly, but it was the best he could manage. "She didn't dump me, she knows about the kiss, and I'm not upset about Deb."

  "Uh huh... then why are you being an ass?"

  Josh scrubbed his hand up his face and into his hair. "My mom called, just before you did, asking me the same question. Although, not in quite those words."

  Blake laughed, long and loud. "Yeah, somehow I don't see Mrs. Taylor calling you an ass."

  "No, but she thinks I should get back with Deb. That it was a mistake for us to 'separate' as she calls it."

  "Well.... was it?"

  "No. It was absolutely the right choice."

  "So then, the ass-ish behavior is because of Gia?"

  "Yeah, I guess it is."

  "So, then come tomorrow night. If she's there, it will give you a chance to fix whatever you screwed up."

  Josh knew there was more to it than that. If Gia was there, and if she would talk to him, there still wasn't much that could be said or done in a bar surrounded by music and people. Especially since one of those people was his ex-fiancée and her best friend. Figuring that he would at least get a chance to see her, Josh finally answered, "Yeah. I'll be there."

  * * * *

  Josh walked into the bar, waited a second for his eyes to adjust to the dim lighting, then headed to the table where the group was sitting. He had swung by the house and changed, rather than coming directly from work, so he was comfortable in a pair of old jeans, a T-shirt and some slip on Birks he had just bought. Since this was not the norm for him, he was expecting some smart ass comments.

  He walked over to the table, waved 'hi' to the girls, shook hands with the guys, and when he reached Deb, he leaned down and kissed her cheek in greeting.

  Deb smiled softly as she said, "It's nice to see you, Josh."

  He was pretty sure he was the only one that heard the gentle emphasis she placed on the word 'you'. He was hoping to use this evening not just to make some headway with Gia, but also to show their little group of friends that he and Deb really were still friendly, that they had parted on good terms. Maybe then everyone would quit walking on eggshells when it came to group events. These people had all been friends for far too long to cause any rifts over a completely amicable break up.

  He chose a seat next to Blake and Dev on the far side of the table, that way he had a perfect view of the door. They all ordered more drinks from the waitress and the normal chit chat resumed.

  When the drinks came, Josh picked up his beer to take his first sip just as Blake lifted his chin and nodded towards the door.

  Gia was here.

  He stopped with the glass halfway to his lips, looking her up and down. Her black hair was in its traditional braid, her highlights glowing in purple streaks woven through it. Purple... just like his dream. She was wearing one of those skirts that damn near killed him. A black and white plaid, school girl skirt that was short enough it barely covered her ass. She had on thigh high black tights with a tight red T-shirt that hugged every curve. The front of the shirt said "PEACE" with little skeletal fingers in a peace sign below it. Her shiny red Doc Martins completed the look. Josh was pretty sure this particular outfit had been chosen specifically to drive him out of his mind.

  When Blake elbowed him, he cleared his throat and took a long, deep pull of his beer, wishing it was something stronger.

  * * * *

  Making her way to the table where her friends sat, Gia couldn't seem to stop her racing pulse. She didn't know if it was from nerves or excitement, or maybe some blend of the two. She saw Josh, dressed in a T-shirt rather than work clothes, and her heart rate sped up a little more. Her mind immediately jumped to stripping it off and admiring what she now knew was underneath. Then she saw Deb watching her and her heart damn near stopped completely.

  Taking a big deep breath, she forced a smile on her face and took the only remaining chair at their table. Right next to Deb, with Dev on the other side and Josh next to him. No, this wouldn't be awkward at all.

  Once seated, she looked at Deb, watching her face to see if there was any anger or blame. Deb smiled in greeting and seemed to be fine. Maybe she didn't know about the kiss after all.

  "The waitress was just here, but she seems to be moving pretty quickly, if you want to wait. Otherwise, I would go to the bar to get your drink, Gia," Deb said.

  Deciding that was a good idea, Gia headed to the bar. She definitely needed a drink tonight. When the bartender made it over to her, she ordered a vodka tonic.

  She felt Josh beside her before he ever spoke.

  "Vodka tonic, huh? I thought you didn't drink? Or wait, is this one for me too, so I can sneak sips when no one is looking? In case you didn't notice, I ordered my own beer tonight."

  His voice was right by her ear, she could feel his breath tickling her neck. Afraid to turn her head, she stayed frozen exactly where she was.

  "Nope, this one's for me. I don't usually drink, but tonight it sounded good. I'm walking home, Josh, so no need to worry I'll be drinking and driving. I will not be calling you to bail me out of jail, lawyer boy."

  Now his front pressed up against her back and he brought one arm down beside hers, effectively pinning her against the bar. "I wasn't worried about that at all Gia. Just wondering why. Are you a little nervous, tonight? Or stressed about something?"

  Gia tried to ignore the effect his nearness was having on her body. She could feel the little shivers tingling from her neck all the way down her spine, her nipples tightening and wetness pooling be
tween her legs. Her reaction made her angry. As if her body was somehow betraying her mind.

  As the bartender placed her drink in front of her, she plopped down a ten mumbling, "Keep the change."

  Just as she was about to turn and tell him off, Josh whispered, "You look amazing, by the way."

  Suddenly his heat was gone. She spun around just in time to see Josh sauntering back to the table. Yes, sauntering... cocky bastard!

  Taking in a deep breath, Gia grabbed her drink and followed him. She still wasn't sure if she was going to cuss him out, ignore his presence completely, or beg him to kiss her. When she caught sight of Deb, she decided ignoring him was probably the best course of action.

  Chapter 12

  One hour and two drinks later, Gia was happily congratulating herself on her ability to ignore Josh. She had been chatting with everyone, relaxing, laughing and having an all around great time despite him sitting only one seat away. She still wasn't entirely sure what Deb knew or didn't know, but she didn't seem to be upset with Gia either way, so she was pretty sure their friendship would survive this. And she was glad. She really liked Deb, regardless of their polar opposite personalities, and despite her behavior to the contrary. She was also determined to stay away from Josh, just to prove to Deb that she was worth the friendship. Gia didn't have a lot of friends, so she valued the few she did have all the more.

  As she ordered her third drink, she had a brief thought that she should stop at two. Since she rarely drank alcohol, her tolerance was next to nothing. Just as she was about to go find the waitress and cancel the order, Josh leaned behind Dev and said, "Do you think maybe you've had enough to drink, Gia?"

  Having him ask that just plain pissed her off. She knew it was a childish reaction, but she couldn't seem to help it. "No, Josh, I don't think I've had enough. And I'm fairly certain that is not your call to make."

  Josh opened his mouth to say more, just as Dev leaned back in his chair, effectively cutting him off. Gia couldn't help the little smile that lit her face. She was still smiling when Dev turned to her and asked, "Hey, Gia, how about a dance?"