I clear my throat, remind myself to be a big girl, and push his name, having added his number into my phone this afternoon.
It rings several times and goes to voicemail. “Dimitri, this is Ava from Temps For You calling. Sorry for the late hour, but Gertrude has committed to working for the next two weeks as your nanny while we find you a more permanent placement. If you have any questions, call me. This is my cell so feel free to call anytime. Goodnight.”
I hang up, blowing out a big huff of air. Done. I didn’t even have to speak with him. Though, even his voice message has the blood rushing in my ears. Just hearing that honey baritone…
Phone still in my hand, I pick up the plastic container to toss it in the trash when my phone rings.
I nearly jump out of my skin, the sound jars me so much. I look down, a jolt of energy coursing through me to see his name on the screen.
I quickly toss the container in the recycling bin and pick up the phone. “Hello?” Shit. Why do I sound breathless?
“Ava,” my name in his voice makes me stop in the center of the room, my eyes sliding closed.
He was gorgeous in person, but over the phone…
I can just enjoy the sexual sound of his voice while I picture his face and those broad shoulders. No worries about actual touching or how I might freak out.
This flash of fantasy zips through my mind of him holding me in his arms as he stands, my legs wrapped around his waist…
A throb of pleasure so intense it nearly makes me gasp, tightens my muscles. “Hi, Dimitri.” God. I sound like I feel. Needy. Wanton. I clear my throat, trying to get myself under control.
“I got your message,” he says, his low voice humming through me as I slide down onto my couch. “The day after tomorrow is excellent. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” I resist the urge to touch myself. This is a professional call. He’s a client.
“And Gertrude is a two-week option?”
“I know for Anna’s sake, consistency is better, but Gertrude is a wonderful short-term placement with forty years of experience, who will help train whoever takes over in two weeks.”
“I can see why you came so highly recommended.” The deep, even tenor of his voice makes my body arch. God. I’m practically humping air.
“That’s very kind. Thank you.” I clear my throat. “I told Gertrude to report at nine in the morning. She knows that this is a seven-day-a-week placement for the next two weeks. For your more permanent nanny, however, at least one day off a week is required by law. Like I said, if you need seven days a week coverage, two nannies will be necessary.”
“I understand. I’ll consider everything you’ve said, and I look forward to meeting the candidates.”
He isn’t having any trouble remaining professional. He sounds relaxed, at ease. Maybe he just doesn’t feel the attraction I do.
Which actually makes it easier for me to get myself under control. This isn’t going anywhere and it’s all in my head.
“I’ll start reviewing files tomorrow, I’ll contact each of the candidates, gauge their interest in the position and their suitability as well. Once I’ve narrowed it down to three or four possibles, we can conduct interviews together at either your home or my office. Your choice.”
“Excellent, Ava. I look forward to it.”
“Good.”
“But also…” His voice gets deeper, richer, and I go completely still. “I look forward to seeing you again as well.”
My lips part as I try to mentally calculate what that means. It’s personal but not too personal. Like I can’t tell him I don’t date, but it requires some sort of response. “Thank you?”
He chuckles low and deep. “Until then.” And then he hangs up. I pull the phone from my ear, looking down at the screen. I’m going to be giving my vibrator a workout tonight.
In my dreams, my fantasies, I’m not afraid of a man’s touch. I don’t worry about being hurt. In fact, I do all manner of dirty deeds with men that are tall, dark, handsome and masculine.
And now, I think my dream man is going to change to one who has a touch of gray at the temples.
If only I could get out of my own head and enjoy a man’s touch for real.
But it doesn’t matter because it will never happen.