His hands were soft and warm caressing her firm breasts, taut stomach and quivering thighs. She gasped as his moist lips sent shivers through her body. She had never felt such passion or pleasure. The intensity of her love for him and his love for her heightened the sensuality of the love they were making.
"Oh, please...," she moaned feeling tormented by the delay of gratification.
"I love you, Jennifer," he whispered as he pushed himself into her.
Jennifer rolled over extending her arm out reaching for the man of her dreams. Her hand found emptiness. She opened her eyes. Gone. Turning on her back, Jennifer re-oriented herself to the world.
"God, what a dream!"
"Hey Jen. Whatcha up to?" Carla called as she entered copy room of Grayson Publishing.
"I have a meeting with Patricia this morning."
"You look a little out of sorts. Is something up with the story?"
"No. I had the most ... interesting dream. I can’t seem to shake it."
"Ooooh, about a man?" Carla asked her eyes shiny with interest.
"Yes,"
"I love those. Tell me."
"Um, well, he was perfect, handsome...." Jennifer said her thoughts lingering back.
"What did he look like?"
"I don’t remember."
"Bummer."
"Anyway, I was so in love and he with me. It was a fairy tale." Jennifer shook her head, "I don’t know why I am even thinking of it."
"Well, Jennifer, when you refuse to date, your only chance at true love is in your dreams."
"Oh stop it." Jennifer turned back to her task of copying.
"I want to hear more."
"I can’t remember. Have you ever had one of those dreams in which every fiber of your being experiences it? You can still feel the emotion of it but you can’t remember any details?" Jennifer asked hoping she didn’t sound crazy.
"Yes. I hate that. They’re the best dreams but the more you try to remember them, the further from your memory they slip."
"Yes, that’s it."
"That would make an interesting story,"
Jennifer laughed, "You’re right."
"Hey, are you going to the Broadway for Charity event tonight?" Carla asked.
"Yes, I think I will."
"Can I bring my cousin Stu for you to meet?"
"No, Carla. Don’t even try."
Jonathan stood gazing out the window over Central Park. For a man who had it all, he felt empty and it bothered him a great deal.
"You alright Mr. H? You haven’t been yourself lately.... actually for a long time." Max walked to stand next to Jonathan.
"I know Max," Jonathan agreed. "I can’t put my finger on it. Something’s missing Max but I feel greedy thinking so since I have more than any man deserves."
"Why don’t you call someone to go to the charity event with you tonight?" Max asked.
"I don’t know Max. I can’t think of anyone I really want to spend an entire evening with."
Max looked at Jonathan; "It’s not like you."
Jonathan laughed. "Who would have thought Jonathan Hart couldn’t find a date?"
"Won’t not can’t," Max corrected.
"I guess I am just getting too picky. Seems like lately every woman I meet is more interested in my money than me. That didn’t used to bother me so much."
"Maybe you need to meet someone with money," Max jokingly suggested.
"Maybe."
Jonathan left for the Broadway for Charity event early to take a walk and clear his head. Maybe he was working too hard. He had been taking on many projects over the last few months. He jumped headfirst into a new project for Hart Electronics. Personal computers. His staff thought he was crazy following the antics of two college dropouts named Jobs and Gates. But Jonathan knew they were on to something and he wanted in. Not only had he committed time and energy for Hart Electronics to forge new frontiers in computing; he even invested in the new Apple and Microsoft companies. Hopefully they would pay off as well as his Big Blue stock had.
Jonathan shook his head. He was enjoying the project a great deal and was eager to present his prototype of the personal computer at the computer conference in San Jose, California next month. His work wasn’t getting him down. It was the one thing that kept him preoccupied, blocking that empty feeling even if for short periods of time. Jonathan was baffled. He considered that maybe he was entering a new phase in his life and he needed to re-evaluate his priorities and goals.
He was browsing through a bookstore when he glanced at his watch and realized he would be late. Hurrying out of the store he lifted his hand up to hail a taxi that was pulling up to the curb. Opening the door he got in.
"Hey that’s my taxi," he heard a woman yell at him, holding the door open so the taxi wouldn’t leave.
"Well, if it your taxi, why am I in here and you are out there?" Jonathan asked in his most New York attitude.
"I hailed it while you were blasting out of the bookstore too busy to notice anyone else," she said. Her eye’s bore into Jonathan’s. He was certain that if looks would kill he would be a pile of dust.
He smiled his most disarming smile. "Let’s share."
"I will not."
"Come on. I’ll pay. My way of apologizing." The woman eyed Jonathan suspiciously. She knew she was late. She looked up to see if any other cabs were available.
"Are you coming or not lady?" the cab driver yelled.
"Oh, alright." She agreed getting into the cab next to Jonathan. Jonathan smiled again.
"You can stop that now," she quipped. "You got your way."
"Where too?" the cab driver called.
"Broadway and ..." they spoke at once.
"Are you going to the Broadway for Charity event?" Jonathan asked.
"Yes,"
"Great, me too." Jonathan smiled. "I am Jonathan Hart." He held out his hand to shake.
"I know who you are," Jennifer said wryly.
"Common courtesy would have you now tell me who you are."
"Jennifer Edwards," she said obligingly taking his hand. The feel of his soft warm hand on hers sent an electric shock reminiscent of her dream. She pulled her hand away quickly.
"You’re Jennifer Edwards?" Jonathan asked as he recalled her name from a business trip he’d taken several months ago.
"Yes," she replied raising her brows.
"You were in London wanting an interview."
"That was me."
An amused grin spread over Jonathan’s face. "Well, had I known...."
"What? You would have agreed to see me? Taken me out for a drink? Maybe even forced yourself on me but I wouldn’t have gotten the interview." Jennifer knew the type: handsome, rich and full of himself.
"I never have to force myself on a woman but you are right, you probably wouldn’t have gotten the interview, until the deal was done. And then, maybe, you would have forced yourself on me."
"I don’t think so." Jennifer directed her gaze out the window of the cab. After a string of unsuccessful relationships with dynamic but arrogant men, she figured the best defense was to not engage them.
"I’m sorry I took your cab," Jonathan said. "I’m not usually so ..."
"Rude?" Jennifer said turning back to glare at him.
"Rude, okay." Jonathan laughed. He watched her as she turned back to look out the window. She was beautiful. Her eyes had a fire and energy he’d never experienced. She had blazing red hair pinned up neatly in a French twist. Even pinned and sprayed, her hair looked soft as silk. Jonathan wondered what she would do if he removed the pins and ran his fingers through her hair. Judging from her demeanor, she wouldn’t like it much.
Avoidance wasn’t the usual reaction woman had to Jonathan and it surprised him that Jennifer showed no interest in him. In fact, it surprised him that he even cared. That’s all right, Jonathan thought to himself. He wasn’t interested in getting involved with a woman anyway. He didn’t have the emotional energy for a relationship or even a fling. He had a new project started with Hart Industries. And of course, he needed time to figure out the melancholy that was plaguing him. He needed to regroup and set a new course in life. There just wasn’t any time or energy for a beautiful woman no matter how intriguing she was.
Jonathan and Jennifer entered the ballroom together. Hundreds of people mingled and networked waiting for the auction to begin. Jennifer started to walk off but Jonathan caught her arm, "Thanks for the cab ride." He smiled.
"Don’t mention it." Jennifer untangled her arm from his grasp and started to walk away.
"Hey, wait," Jonathan called going after her. "You aren’t still mad are you?"
Jennifer turned to him in annoyance.
"I really am a nice guy," he said opting for a more sincere smile over his knock ‘em dead one.
"I’m sure you are."
"Will you save me a dance?" Jonathan asked. His question surprised even himself. He wasn’t interested in her and she certainly wasn’t interested in him. Must be an automatic response to a pretty woman, he thought.
"Mr. Hart, I’m sure every other woman in this room would love to dance with you. Unfortunately, I’m not one of them."
Jonathan stepped back in surprise. Perhaps it was the challenge of her that made him want to pursue her. "Ah, come on now. You wouldn’t hold a grudge because of a small matter of a taxi, would you?"
"You have not made a great first impression Mr. Hart. But, I am not one to hold a grudge, no. If you’re trying to make peace, don’t bother. Consider yourself forgiven. Now if you don’t mind, I’m meeting someone."
"I’m sorry." Jonathan nodded his head as Jennifer left his company. Just as well, Jonathan thought. She was obviously more trouble than she was worth and his focus now was on getting rid of the nagging void that seemed to be growing with each step away that Jennifer took.
"Jen, was that Jonathan Hart?" asked Patricia Sinclair, Jennifer’s publisher.
"Ah, yes it was," Jennifer said taking a glass of champagne from a passing server.
"How is it that you know him?"
"I don’t. He tried to steal my cab but I wouldn’t let him," she said triumphantly. Patricia’s brows raised.
"Hey, Jen, Pat." Carla said joining the couple. "What’s up?"
"Jen came here with Jonathan Hart."
"Really? Is he the one in the dream?"
"No," Jennifer said rolling her eyes. "He tried to take my cab that’s all."
"He could steal more than that from me," Carla said looking for a glimpse of the handsome Mr. Hart.
"I’d love to print a story on him," Patricia hinted.
"I’m going on vacation," Jennifer replied.
"I’ll pay for it." Jennifer looked at Patricia trying to read the seriousness of her comment.
"I’m going to France then Africa."
"Get me the story including his recent shift from playboy to recluse and I’ll get you to Africa and back. But, I need a full, detailed, in-depth story... the kind only Jennifer Edwards can do." Jennifer bit her lip. The offer was just too good and too much of a challenge to pass up. And this time, she was certain Jonathan Hart would not avoid her.
Everyone took his or her seats for the auction.
"Our next item is an original script from Tennessee Williams’ play The Glass Menagerie. The bidding will start at $1000.00."
Jennifer raised her paddle. "We have $1000."
"Jen, I didn’t know you were bidding?" Carla whispered.
"I don’t know if I can afford to but I love Tennessee Williams."
The bidding continued up to $6000. Jennifer raised her paddle to offer $6500. Another bidder immediately raised his to $7000.
"$10,000," Jonathan called raising his paddle. Jennifer looked back to see the new bidder entering the competition.
"YOU!" Jennifer shook her head. She could afford to offer more, a little bit more. But his message was clear. He was going to get the script.
"I don’t know where you guys got the idea that Jonathan Hart is a nice guy. First he took my cab and now my script," Jennifer spat quietly to Carla.
"Well, now you have two things in common."
"I think I’ll pay my own way to Africa."
"Don’t you dare," Patricia stated.
After the auction, the attendees again mingled, mixed and networked.
"Go Jennifer, now is your chance," Patricia said coaxingly. Jennifer thought she would rather eat bees but she really wanted to go to Africa and a free trip, she couldn’t pass that up. She began walking to Jonathan. As Jennifer approached Jonathan, he turned quickly, spilling his drink on her dress.
"Oh, no. Ms. Edwards I’m so sorry."
"I bet you are!"
"Really, I’m very sorry," he said, a winning smile coming to his face. He couldn’t help it. There was something about her that enthralled him. It wasn’t just her beauty, which was stunning. It was something in her eyes. They were vivid, lively, full of energy. They seemed to express what was missing in his life.
"You think its funny?"
"No, not at all," he said trying not to smile. "Really, I’m sorry. I’ll pay for its cleaning or replace it, whatever." Jennifer now more than ever wanted to just get away but Africa called.
"How about an in-depth no holds barred interview instead." Her eyes bore into him.
"Okay," he said.
"Okay?"
"But, I am leaving for L.A. tomorrow. I am not sure when I will be back." Jennifer nodded her head. That’s it. Pretend you are willing do it but gosh it doesn’t fit into the schedule.
"I tell you what. Fly to L.A. with me. The flight is 6 and half hours, plenty of time for an in-depth interview. Plus you get a free trip to L.A. and back." Jennifer eyed him suspiciously but it appeared to be the only way.
"What time?"
"I’ll pick you up at 4 p.m. The flight will leave at 6."
"That’s kind of late isn’t it?" Jennifer asked.
"It will get us back to California by 8:30 p.m."
"Fine, but pick me up at Grayson Publishing."
"Max, I really need some advise" Jonathan said when he returned that evening.
"Sure, Mr. H."
"Do you believe in love at first sight?"
"I don’t know. I have met women that really appealed to me but love..." Max replied
"I met this woman tonight and I can’t get her out of my mind."
"Really? Who was it?"
"You won’t believe it Max, it was Jennifer Edwards."
"Jennifer Edwards," Max mulled the name over in his mind.
"Remember the persistent reporter in London? I wish I returned her call." Jonathan hung his coat up in the closet and loosened his tie.
"Not a regular reporter dame, eh?" Max handed Jonathan a brandy.
"Not even close. We need to make sure the plane is completely stocked. She is flying back to L.A. with us tomorrow."
"What? I don’t get it Mr. H."
"My penance for taking her cab, buying her script and spilling a drink on her dress is to give her an in-depth interview."
"So what’s the problem?"
"I have no room in my life now for a woman."
"I thought this was just an interview," Max said utterly confused at Jonathan’s rambling.
"It is but she’s... intoxicating." Jonathan paced about the room with giddy energy.
"Then ask her out."
"She hates me."
"Ah now Mr. H. There is one thing I know, women don’t hate you. And if she does, you have the ability to turn it around."
"I do don’t I?" Jonathan said. An excited smile spread across his face. Max didn’t know what to make of it. He had to the meet the woman who could cause such a stir in an otherwise cool and collected Mr. H.
"Wait. What am I thinking Max?" Jonathan said shaking his head. "I just don’t have the time. I’ve got this computer thing with Hart Electronics. I can’t do this."
"Whaddya sick? Since when don’t you have time for a woman?"
"What are you saying Max? That I am a ladies man?"
"Not in a negative way. I am just saying, that the one most important lessons I tried to teach you was to live your life to the fullest. Don’t let your work interfere with the truly important business of living. You have had an active personal life and business life up to this point. Why do you need to change that now?"
Jonathan thought for a moment. "It just seemed like I was a little off track there for awhile and I was going to take some time to get my self back on it." Jonathan furrowed his brows in deep thought.
"What are you thinking?"
Jonathan looked up at Max. "All of a sudden the need to figure out my life isn’t as pressing as learning about Ms. Jennifer Edwards."
