Kissing Mr. Bradley

Chapter 7

"The mosaic backsplash is a nice touch," Ethan said as he inspected the kitchen tiles. "Don't you think so, Mr. Humphrey?"

We were showing a half of a million dollar property to the Humphrey's. A six bedroom, four bathroom home with special amenities and a private pool house in the back. It was the epitome of a dream but it was hard to read Mr. Humphrey. There was nothing about the house that seemed to impress him while Mrs. Humphrey marveled at the smallest of details pertaining to the home. She was in awe and roamed around the space with her flowery Spring dress trailing behind her.

"I agree with the mosaic backsplash," I said, forgetting one of Ethan's rules to stay behind the scenes and out of the hair of his clients. "And the lighting can be modified to your liking Mr. Humphrey, whether you want something warm and cozy or bright and welcoming."

I disregarded Ethan's glare but I could feel the heat exuding from his body.

Mr. Humphrey pointed at me. "Aren't you the receptionist?" he asked.

Ethan spoke up. "Ms. Hastings is my assistant for today," he said, placing his hand on the small of my back. I took a side step away from him as he exerted his dominance over me once again.

Mr. Humphrey nodded in approval. "You clean up pretty well," he said to me. "Royal blue is definitely a nice color on you."

"I'd go for a seductive blood red," Mrs. Humphrey bantered as the men laughed in unison.

Mrs. Humphrey complimented the two piece outfit I was wearing. Then, she complimented my lean legs and toned body. She commented on how genuine my smile was and the smoothness of my skin. She ran her fingers down the side of my arm and watched me closely as if I was a fragile doll. No one else seemed to be disturbed by her sudden obsession over me. It was too much for my comfort but if a close bond with Mrs. Humphrey was all it took to sell a home, I would do almost anything to stay on her good side.

Mrs. Humphrey locked her arm around mine and we toured the house together.

"My name is Noelle," she said, leaning into me.

I gave her a friendly smile. "Nice to meet you, Noelle," I said.

On the second floor, Mr. Humphrey still wasn't influenced by Ethan's selling points. He didn't care for the massive loft or the fireplace in the bedroom. He was unimpressed by the view of the city on the mountaintop balcony. He picked at everything he didn't like about the home. The hardwood floors were too shiny, the ceiling was too high and the walls were the wrong color.

"That's an easy fix," I said about the walls. "Again, it will be your home to furnish and renovate to your liking, Mr. Humphrey."

Ethan rubbed his brow. "She is right," he said and I could tell by the twinge of his voice how hard it was for him to admit that.

"It will be our home!" Noelle exclaimed, jumping up and down. "We can do as we please, honey!"

"I'd rather not pick up on another project," Mr. Humphrey said with a frustrated huff. "Or pay out of pocket for someone to paint a damn wall or two."

His comments continued as he pulled Ethan to the side, leaving Noelle and I to our own.

Noelle lifted up my hand and frowned.

"You're not married?" she asked sadly.

"No," I replied, taking my hand back. "How long has it been for you and Mr. Humphrey?"

"One year," she said with a big smile on her face. "Our friends and family had their doubts about us. They said we wouldn't make it past six months but we proved them wrong."