Chapter four

Rosalie's address was in Santa Monica. I was beyond thrilled at the thought of living in such an auspicious neighbourhood. It would be far cry from my pathetic bedsit in downtown L.A.

I couldn't help but relish resigning from my coffee shop job. I was worried that I'd imagined Rose and the job offer. What if I was burning my admittedly shaky bridge and I was homeless and jobless?

But no, there was no way I'd imagined Rose. Even my over active imagination couldn't conjure up such a perfect creature.

Margaret was curious about my sudden departure but I told her nothing except that I'd found another job. I packed my few belongings into a suitcase and paid the remainder of the rent which was due with the last pay check I'd received from Time Out.

I was overwhelmed - I had a job! Writing! I shook myself out of the irrational fears and called the number on the card Rosalie had given me. The sound of her voice almost sent me to my knees.

"I've done it." I told her ominously after a short greeting and she laughed, a bit throaty and a whole lot sexy.

"Are you ready to come over?"

I nodded and then realised she couldn't see me. "Ah, yes, almost. I just have to pack a few things."

"Can I expect you in the next hour?"

"Yes," I replied shyly.

"See you soon, Izzy." Hearing my name on Rosalie's lips was a strangely erotic experience.

My belly flip flopped deliciously, excitement and fear of the unknown doing battle inside me.

I called a taxi to take me to Rosalie's address. My hands were sweaty and my knees trembled by the time I arrived.

Her home was hidden behind a very high white wall. The taxi driver rang the bell and the gate slid open. It was a simple home and not at all ostentatious. It was built to instill peace in its occupants. The garden was a mass of tropical greenery with a multitude of palm trees and ferns everywhere. There was also a swimming pool and entertainment area and a very large fish pond which wrapped around one side of the house.

I got out of the taxi feeling like an imposter. Had I understood Rosalie right? Was I really meant to live here with her? What if I'd made some sort of terrible mistake and I had nowhere to go! I knew this was all foolish, because Rosalie had given me the directions, but I couldn't help feeling out of place. I hoisted my suitcase from the trunk of the car and slowly went towards the door.

Rosalie answered the door herself, barefoot and dressed casually in a pair of denim shorts and a man's shirt worn open to reveal a dark blue camisole which made her eyes pop. She looked spectacular. I knew she must be in her late forties at the very least, but her body was perfect. I tried not to stare. I focused on her face instead.

"Hi! Come in." She said to me with a wide smile of welcome.

I hesitated for a split second before stepping into the cool confines of the house. Dobby came to investigate and he wagged his tail once he'd given me a sniff. I patted him and then stroked his back.

"He likes you." Rose observed, watching us.

"Dogs and cats usually like me." I laughed. "I suppose that's a good sign, right?"

Rosalie agreed that it was and gestured for me to follow her. We walked through a large airy living room and a massive kitchen before reaching a small annexe which could only be her office.

"This is where you'll work each day. We'll put a desk in for you and set you up with a laptop and anything else you might need. Oh, do you drive?"

I hesitated, biting my lip. "I do drive, but I've not driven in this country."

Rose smiled at me with scary determination.

"You can use one of my cars after you've re-done your licence. I think England has different rules to ours, no?"

I could only nod in agreement, silently determined not to drive further than the gas station. Next was the guest cottage which had apparently been built for Rosalie's son.

"He's never lived here." She told me, handing me the keys.

"How old is he?" I asked, imagining a teenager.

"He's twenty-five." I tried not to look too surprised.

Rose smirked at me.

"I have a daughter who's older. She will be thirty this year."

I nodded with a smile. I didn't want to pry so I didn't ask if she was still married to their father.

The cottage was small, cosy and completely self contained. It was like a palace compared to the bedsit. I placed my meager suitcase in the corner and shoved my hands into the pockets of my jeans. Rose walked past me to open a window and her scent floated towards me. It was light, spicy-clean and sweetly exotic. It reminded me of tropical fruit juice and ocean breezes. I literally wanted to eat her.

My belly did a wild flip flop. I was hopelessly attracted to this woman. I'd have to find a way to hide any infatuation in order to keep this job.

"Thank you." I said suddenly, realising I'd been mostly silent.

Rose turned to me with a sparkle in her vivid eyes.

"It's a pleasure." She replied while stroking the ever present Dobby's head. "Dinner is at seven. Can you find your way back?"

I stared at her. Had I heard her right - was I going to eat with her family?

"Um, I thought I'd eat here." I said hesitantly.

Rose shook her head, "You can't eat alone, besides I want you to meet everyone. I have at least two dinners each week. All strictly casual. Just a few friends and colleagues for a meal. This way you can get to know us."

It was clear she wouldn't take no for an answer. I agreed reluctantly - what was I going to wear?

I found my way back to the main house after a shower and a change of clothes. I felt less than confident in my jeans and black top ensemble as I knocked on the kitchen door.

Rose opened it looking drop dead gorgeous in a dress, this time short and summery. Her figure was freaking perfect. My eyes were all over her, I just couldn't help it.

"Come on in." She said, ushering me inside. "Next time just come in, you don't have to knock." She whispered to me as I walked past her. Her breath wafted my ear and sent a cascade of gooseflesh down that side of my neck.

"Okay." I whispered back, "I'll remember that." I found it hard to drag my eyes away from her face.

The living room seemed crowded, it was a hive of conversation which all stopped as I entered behind Rose.

"Everyone, this is Izzy." She said with a flourish and a wide grin. "Izzy, this is my husband, David, my daughter Jessica and my son Conrad."

All three of them nodded in my direction. I couldn't focus on them just yet, particularly Rose's husband.

"And this is my very best friend in the entire world, Leah." Leah was a dark brunette with sultry, soulful eyes and a long, somewhat angular face. I immediately liked her. There was something very kind and open about her face.

"Leah is also my partner, we run the charity together as well as several other enterprises."

Leah smiled at me. "Welcome."

Rose took my arm and guided me towards a seat on the very long L-shaped sofa. I felt that light touch to my toes. I took a seat and clasped my hands together nervously, I was grateful when conversation resumed around me. I was still reeling from the slight touch of Rosalie's hand, it had left me deeply disturbed.

Mainly because I'd never felt anything like it in my life, not with anyone, ever. It had only been a small amount of contact which made my reaction seem all the more ridiculous. I could only wonder what would happen if we touched like lovers. The thought took my breath away.

It took a few hours, but slowly but surely I began to make small talk with Rosalie's family. They were all so nice to me. I fitted in and it wasn't long before I relaxed enough to enjoy the evening. Rose had a way about her which put everyone at ease. She was down to earth and playful, but also enigmatic and hard to read.

I went to bed feeling excitable, my body humming with the remnants of the crazy attraction I had towards Rosalie. Her husband seemed nice enough. I was jealous of his relationship with her and this made me ashamed of myself. How stupid and immature was I, to be so involved with the woman who was now my boss. I decided it was best to just ignore the powerful attraction I felt towards Rose. I loved my cottage and I was sure I'd love my job.