Just One Night. Part 3 by Elle Casey Read Free Book Online Page A

it’s his brother or a cousin or a completely unrelated British man, I keep my cool. Or at least, I try to keep my cool, even though my heart is doing flips in my chest.
    “Okay, well, my name is Jennifer, and I’m a realtor currently looking to hang my license with a broker who is interested in making some commercial property investments. I have several clients who will come with me.”
    There’s a pause and then finally a response. I’m sweating as I wait for it.
    “Jennifer No-Last-Name, is that it? Is that who I shall say is calling?”
    I’m almost positive this is William. The hint of a smile behind his voice is undeniable.
    “Yes, you can tell him that if you want. Or you could just give him my real last name if you prefer.”
    “Hmmm, I’m not sure that I do prefer it. A bit of mystery is always fun, wouldn’t you agree?”
    Is this a hint? Is he telling me to get lost? That he prefers not knowing who I am? Or is he flirting? My heart is ready to explode, it’s beating so fast. What should I say? What would Mia say?
    I decide that playing it cool, casual, and possibly stupid is my best bet. I don’t want to get ahead of myself. “If you say so. Listen, ummm, if this isn’t William could you tell him to call me back?”
    “And if it is William?” he asks.
    My ears are on fire. “Well, I’d first want to know why he’s answering his own phone, and second, I would hang up so I could go die from embarrassment.”
    Oh god! Honesty? Seriously?! That was my grand plan? Ugh . Why did I just say that?
    “Embarrassed?” he asks. “Whyever would you be embarrassed?”
    I’m in full-on panic mode now. I can’t tell if he’s mocking me or if he’s even William at this point. Maybe British people like to pull pranks. Or maybe this isn’t him. Maybe it just sounds like him. It could be his son. Oh, God! What if he’s married with kids?!
    “I have to go,” I blurt out. “Nice talking to you.” And then I hang up the phone.
    Dropping my head to my kitchen table, I moan. This is so not how I saw this phone call going. Yes, I thought it would be awkward, but a total disaster? No. That was not on my radar. Since when am I twelve years old on a telephone? Maybe I should skip therapy and check myself into a residential treatment place or something.
    A minute or two later, my phone rings on the table, the vibration making it buzz and bump along the surface. I tilt my head up and open one eye. My heart flips again imagining it could be William, but the caller ID shows unknown, not Stratford Investments. I push the red button to send it to voicemail. I’m not in the mood to fend off any sales pitches right now, and if it’s Hank, he can kiss my big white butt. I’m never speaking to him again unless it’s to discuss the details of him paying me my commission.
    I’m pouring myself a glass of OJ when the phone beeps to tell me I have a message. Maybe it wasn’t a sales call. Those people usually don’t leave traces of their harassment behind. I press the button to listen to it over my speaker phone. My glass freezes halfway to my mouth as the voice comes out and fills the kitchen. The voice with the British accent.
    “Jennifer No-Last-Name, I presume? I hope you don’t mind that I’ve taken your number from the caller identification. This is William Stratford. You rang to speak with me today, but then you disconnected the call, I believe on purpose. I must admit to being extremely disappointed at that turn of events, and I apologize if I said anything that caused you strife. I hope you have not abandoned all thoughts of making me a proposal? Because I can assure you, I’d be interested in hearing it. I remain at your disposal. Please ring me back. I believe you have the number.”
    It’s a good thing my glass is thick, otherwise I’d have crushed it by now, I’m squeezing it so hard. He wants me to call him back. He’s interested in my proposal!
    I chew my lip until it’s tender. There’s a