Taking Chances Read online

  Taking Chances

  By Amanda Lukacs

  Chapter One

  Fear seized Jenna when she stepped off the bus into the unfamiliar neighborhood. Never has she been able to deal with unknown places, unplanned changes, or anything new really. Anxiety has ruled her life for as long as she can remember. Trying to remember her breathing exercises and slow her racing mind Jenna looked down at the paper and headed in the direction of the building she needed to go to. When she arrived at the luxurious apartment building she looked up towards the penthouse which was her destination. “You can do this. Don’t be afraid.” Jenna just whispered that mantra to herself as she headed to the doorman and introduced herself.

  “Um. I’m here to clean Mr. Johnson’s apartment. I’m Jenna Flynn the new housekeeper” Producing her identification for the doorman she gave him a weak scared smile.

  “Head right up Miss Flynn. My name is Tony and I am to afternoon doorman. ” The older man gave her a warm smile and pointed to the elevators.

  As she rode the elevator up Jenna thought of her Aunt Emma. She was such a sweet woman. Someone everyone loved. She had raised Jenna after her parents died in a car accident when she was little. She had helped Jenna try to get a handle on her anxiety and nurtured her talent. Jenna was just starting to finally be able to venture to new places and find new subjects for her art and it was all because of Emma’s encouragement.

  Then Emma died of a heart attack suddenly. Jenna found herself a prisoner in the three bedroom brownstone she lived in with Emma after her death. The fear of being alone suddenly overrode all the other things she tried to think about and made the anxiety worse than it had been in years. She didn’t have to worry about money their home was paid for in full and her aunt had left it to her along with everything else. Her drawings, paintings and sculptures were selling like crazy and she was becoming the next “in demand” artist.

  After 6 months of self-imposed imprisonment Jenna’s friend Sara Winchester told her of a way to get out and start to take her life back. Sara’s brother Dean had a friend who was looking for some help in his apartment. Since Jenna found comfort for her anxiety in routine and anything she can focus her attention on this job would be good for her. It will also help her get back out in the city since she would have to take a bus there. After a little bit of coaxing from the Winchester siblings and her psychologist Dr. Borden she agreed it would be good for her to try it.

  The elevator door opened, pulling Jenna from her thoughts she stepped into an extremely nice foyer. Leaving her bag by the door she entered the penthouse. She set out to familiarize herself with her new surroundings. The apartment was huge, tasteful, simple and very masculine. There weren’t many personal touches until she hit the master bedroom. The furniture was a dark cherry. The bed was huge and the bedding so plush she just wanted to dive in and get lost in it. On the dresser she saw a frame with a family picture, a tray with different cufflinks and tie pins and some cologne. Walking around she saw some books on the nightstand and a charging station for a phone with a built in alarm clock.

  She turned and headed to the master bathroom but stopped when she saw the framed art on the wall. She gasped as she looked at it. A charcoal drawing of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller center. It was all black and white except for touches of red here and there. She reached out to touch the picture. This was one of hers. She remembered the day she and Aunt Emma had gone to see the tree she was so overcome by the beauty of it she had to sketch it this was one of her favorites and sold very quickly when it went up for sale.

  Sara Winchester, Jenna’s friend since forever, had talked her into trying to sell some of her art. Sara’s brother Dean is an art dealer and her agent, he had agreed to help her. At first her pictures didn’t sell but then they just took off. Jenna loved to use charcoal and pastels but she would keep it black and white as much possible and then pick one color and use it sparingly but enough to pop. She loved to read and draw the scenes as she sees them in her head or listen to music and whatever feeling the songs left is what she would put on canvas she loved drawing cityscapes also but didn’t venture to far from home to see anything worth drawing.

  Because of her inability to explore and go places she has always dreamed of going places and her art is a way for her to almost go there. Her art was her way of sharing her dreams so no matter what medium she uses, she loves to make her work look like a dream. Her paintings were more abstract and a way to get things off her mind. She wanted whoever looked at her work to be happy and share her dreams.

  Sighing she heads into the master bathroom and decides to start her job here. She looks for the cleaning supplies and starts working. She scrubbed the shower stall that could easily fit three people. It was one of those really fancy ones with multiple shower heads. After that she headed to the tub which looked like it didn’t get much use but she cleaned it anyway. The tub had jets and two faucets and looked so comfortable. She gave the double sinks a good cleaning although it looked as though Mr. Johnson only used the one. Finishing the bathroom by mopping the floor she headed to the bedroom to change the bedding, vacuum, dust and get the laundry taken care of. While the laundry was going she vacuumed the plush carpet that ran through the apartment.

  After about an hour of cleaning, Jenna decided to turn on some music. Finding the local rock station she likes she put it on and headed to the kitchen. Scrubbing counters and cleaning out the fridge. Fixing her ponytail to try and tame her thick chestnut hair she wiped her brow on the back of her hand and went to get the now dry clothes. Folding the clothes and dancing around in the bedroom she didn’t hear the door open. She also didn’t hear the deep voice call out.

  “Hello? Miss Flynn?” Tyler Johnson yelled.

  Walking down the hall he stopped when he saw her. Smiling at his new housekeeper, she was obviously enjoying her job. He noted when he walked in that his place looked great. She was very thorough. It had been months since he had someone regular come in. Leaning against the door jamb folding his arms he watched the young woman dancing around his bedroom folding clothes and sheets and putting them away.

  “Miss Flynn?” he said once more this time catching her attention.

  “OH MY GOD!” Jenna dropped the pajama pants she was folding and her hand went to her heart.

  “Mr. Johnson? I’m so sorry I wasn’t expecting you home I’m so sorry I had the music up so high. This is not the first impression I was hoping to make” steadying her breathing she gave him a weak smile as she fumbled with the remote to the stereo and turned it off.

  As Jenna picked up his pajamas Tyler entered the room looking around and peeking into the bathroom. Noticing how clean everything looked. Tyler liked to keep things tidy and nice so the place wasn’t dirty but this was amazing every surface shone everything looks like it got her attention. She cleaned and put in order his toiletries and it looks like she reorganized his closet also. As he walked past the built in bookshelf in his room by the floor to ceiling windows he turned to look at her once more.

  “You’re very thorough Miss Flynn. Did you take the books off the shelves to dust? By the way you can call me Tyler.” He walked over and stood next to her as she put his now folded clothes away.

  “Yes Mr. Johnson…I mean Tyler. I’m kind of a stickler for doing things thoroughly. OH and my name is Jenna.” She walked over to pick up the now empty wicker basket.

  “Would you like to take a look around the place to make sure everything is to your liking? I was just about to go run the dust mop over your office floor and clean in there.” Tyler could see she was nervous the way her fingers fiddled with the basket in her hands.

  Tyler led the way down the hall looking around noting that it looked like she cleaned everything.
“How long have you been here Jenna?” he asked amazed at the amount of work she had done.

  “Well I got here a little over two hours ago, took a few moments to look around and then got to work.” She started to gather her dusting supplies as they headed into the office. As she dusted Tyler walked over and took a seat at his desk.

  “Jenna you don’t have to work quite so hard. Its ok if you don’t get it all done today.” He watched her work noticing that she was cute. Her hair was long and straight, he had noticed right away her eyes were two different colors. One was an icy blue the other was an emerald green. She was tiny, he would have to say she wasn’t a bit over 5ft 5; he stood well over six foot so next to him she was tiny. Her body was trim and in shape and she dressed nicely but casually.

  “I just want to get it done today so when I come from now on it will be like starting fresh.” She smiled at him. “Well if you decide to hire me after this “trial run” that is” Jenna let out a little giggle as she went back to cleaning.

  “That’s understandable Jenna. Well from what I see here you have the job and I’m glad to have you. Did Sara mention to you that you will do some cooking too? I work a lot and it’s nice to have some meals in the fridge I can just chuck in the microwave or reheat.” He leaned back in the big leather chair at his desk and put his hands behind his head.

  “Yes they mentioned it, and I love to cook so just leave me a list of things you like and don’t like and I’ll make sure you have what you want. I understand you’re a very busy man but until I learn your likes and dislikes I would appreciate a detailed list of what you like and dislike.” She looked at him nervously hoping she wasn’t being too demanding.

  “I will have a list for you when you come next, and Jenna there is no need to worry from what I see and what I’ve been told by Dean and Sara you will do great. I was thinking you could come 3 days a week if that’s acceptable to you.” Jenna nodded and got back to work, Tyler was mesmerized watching her. He realized he had been watching her bit too closely so he started writing a list of things he liked.

  “That sounds good to me” finishing up her cleaning about thirty minutes later he stood and reached to shake her hand when she put her hand out for the hand shake Tyler noted a tattoo on the inside of her forearm going from wrist to elbow, it was small white flowers in an intricate design. “So I’m done and I will be back in two days. It was a pleasure to meet you Tyler.” She waved goodbye as she headed for the door.

  “Have a good evening Jenna.” Watching her leave Tyler smirked as he realized she was going to be a good fit for him. Between what Dean and Sara told him and what he saw he deduced she was cute, kind, had good taste in music and most importantly for the first time in a long time she made him think of something other than work. He was going to have to ask Dean what her social life was like, if she was available.

  Chapter two

  Tyler Johnson sat in his office staring out the window while halfheartedly listening to the report from his site manager of his latest project, it’s not surprising that the man was giving him excuses seeing as how that’s all he ever got from this man. Tyler was 33 years old and had been in charge of the families business since only 4 months after he graduated college. His father Alfred who was born in New York and had run the family business since he was 27 had suffered a stroke and was unable to continue so Tyler stepped in. At first being in charge of the company was a bit overwhelming. The Johnson family has owned some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts all over the world and have, for 4 generations. After about 9 months of others in the company trying to walk all over Tyler to get what they want and some even wanting to take over his role he quickly learned there is no room at the top to be a push over. He quickly started to take his cue from his father. “My way or no way” that’s the way it was from then on in.

  Tyler let his no nonsense, go big or go home way of doing business spill over into his personal life. He was always looking for the next big adventure, skydiving, bungee jumping, scuba diving anything to have fun. He isn’t a man to suffer fools lightly and can’t be coerced into doing something he doesn’t want to. Just ask his ex-girlfriends. Many of the women who travel in the same circles as him in his business and personal life weren’t interesting in seeing the world and trying new things. They were more interested in the next party the next big style or trend and being seen with the right people. Not that it was a bad thing, his mother was the same way he was raised around that, but he wasn’t looking for that, he didn’t want a life of dinner parties and social climbing. He wanted fun he wanted to live and to share his experiences with someone who would appreciate life with him.

  As much as Tyler likes getting his own way and being the boss, a relationship is the one place he doesn’t want those things. He wanted someone he was able to have a conversation with, someone who didn’t necessarily see things his way all the time. He wanted a woman who could put him in his place when he needed it and could take as well as she gives, in other words he was looking for someone like him. So far the only relationships he has had have been with women who just want the money and the lifestyle that came with it, they were “yes women” plain and simple. His mother had always complained he need to lighten up, he needed to stop looking for the unattainable and settle for what’s in front of him.

  His mother Julia Johnson has always been very vocal about Tyler’s personal life and the choices he should make. Julia is “old money” and believes strongly her boys need a woman of a certain class and social standing, although he did have to admit she was getting better about it sometimes. Julia is British and both Tyler and Bryan hold dual citizenship and own property in both countries. Julia always told her oldest son he should be more like his younger brother Bryan. Tyler shook his head at the thought. Bryan had gone to school and graduated top of his class. He had a steady girlfriend since he was 18, she was from a “good family” and she was perfect for him. They married just out of college and settled into a good home in the right neighborhood and have the right friends who throw the best parties. Bryan and Veronica live in England and he runs the UK office of the company. He had talked to Bryan two weeks ago and found out they were expecting a baby. It’s not that Tyler didn’t want any of those things, he did want to find a woman and spend a happy life with her and what could be a better adventure than having a kid? He could just care less about all the other things. He just hadn’t met the woman he wanted to do it with. To be honest; he hadn’t met a woman he wanted to spend more than a short time with.

  Breaking from his mental reverie he decided to end this phone call. “I am not interested in excuses gentlemen. You need to get in gear and finish down there. I want that resort finished staffed and ready to open in under a year, if you are having trouble with the contractors hire new ones! I will be down there in two days and I expect to see some movement in all the areas I already told you about or I will replace you both.” Hanging up the phone he looked at the clock. This was the first major project he is undertaking on his own from groundbreaking to open. It was almost time to meet Dean for dinner. After 4 months of having Jenna work for him he was determined to find out what she was all about.

  Grabbing his cellphone off the desk he headed out of his office. “Helena I’m leaving for the day. As soon as you check all the files I gave you to organize and double check my travel arrangements for the Bahamas you can go and barring any disasters have a good few days off.” Smiling at his assistant he headed out.

  ~~~

  Dean and Tyler sat at the restaurant sipping their beers and talking while waiting for their dinners. The two men had been friends for as long as either of them could remember. Dean and his sister owned an art gallery in the city. Sara, Dean’s sister, ran the gallery while Dean was an agent for a few hot artists. The pair had met Jenna when she moved in with her Aunt when she was 7 a mere two days younger than Sara. Dean was overjoyed when they finally talked Jenna into displaying and selling her art.

  “Dean,
all I’m asking is what’s the deal with Jenna.” Tyler took a long sip of his beer before continuing. “She’s hot, she’s funny, and she doesn’t just clean my home and cook my meals it’s almost as if she’s taking care of me. It’s been 4 months and every time I see her or talk to her I find something else I like. I find myself striving to be home early so I catch her before she leaves even if it’s just for a moment. Are you going to help me out or am I on my own with her?” Tyler looked pointedly at the other man while the waitress placed his steak fajitas down in front of him.

  “I’m telling you she is not for you man. Jenna is the kind of girl who needs stability she needs everything you, up to now, have avoided. You’re a risk taker both in business and in your personal life. You look for the next great thrill and the next way to have fun and explore new places. Where you would wake up in the morning and decide today was a good day to head to the beach and you might just try parasailing, Jenna will wake up and decide today is a good day to walk to the bookstore and maybe read about parasailing. I know she would like to be strong enough to try those things but she’s not.” Taking a bite of the enchiladas he ordered.

  “I mean she’s a lot of fun, but…” Dean sipped his beer as he looked for the right words, he hadn’t planned on telling Tyler everything about Jenna but now that he is showing interest in her he felt that he has to.