Sinful Infatuation

Sinful Infatuation: Chapter 1

Asshole, she thought. What did that mean anyway? That he wasn’t interested in her? Jourdain rolled the thought around in her head a little bit. Matteo G. A. Nicoletti IV. Jesus. Even his name sounded pretentious. Two middle names? The fourth generation? Yes, Mr. Nicoletti was not her type.

****

Jourdain Wright, however, was Matteo’s type all across the board. What Jourdain might have considered a chance meeting, was in actuality a perfectly orchestrated plan. Matteo planned his own fate. 

When the owner of the Orange Tabby had come to Matteo several years ago for a loan, Matteo conceded. The bar was located in a good, up- and- coming spot, the Meatpacking District, and promised to bring in a lot of revenue for the Nicoletti family. Not that Matteo needed it. Matteo backed the bar and lounge opening, naming himself a silent part owner. As predicted, the Orange Tabby was a hit. Within its first years of opening, it had received a wide amount of public recognition. It became a very popular establishment for celebrities and other old money folk. Matteo for the most part let his partner run the day to day necessities, but he always had Sergio Buttone, his personal assistant and accountant, look over all the papers and numbers. Matteo took care of the hiring---and firing--- of the Orange Tabby employees. Many undercover cops and enemies had discovered Matteo’s hand in the club, despite the fact that he was a silent partner.

Those people never stepped foot in the door, or went back home…

All potential employees were required to take a Polaroid picture before handing in their application, which was then run through an extensive background search.

When a new pile of employee hopefuls crossed Matteo’s desk, he had never expected to see Jourdain Wright’s application. From the moment he saw her picture he was… interested. The first thing that caught his attention was her rich skin tone, smooth brown with golden undertones. The next, her smile; Jourdain was smiling brightly in the picture, almost all of her white teeth exposed from the shield of her pouty pink lips. Her dark brown hair was straight, landing somewhat past her shoulders. She had very little makeup on, but her beauty was understood. After reading her application, Matteo was even more thoroughly impressed. She was a soon to be NYU Law graduate--- smart and beautiful. Matteo found it amusing that he was interested in a lawyer. He usually tried to stay as far away from the law as possible with his given profession.

When Matteo walked into the bar that night on April 8, he was not sure what to expect. What he found was equally amusing and annoying. She was sarcastic as hell, and clearly through dealing with his “type.” He clenched his teeth whenever she talked back to him. It had been a long time since he was spoken to this way; it was refreshing and aggravating.

It was the first time he felt anything other than anger or indifference.

But as much as he would love to keep their little tête-à-tête going, Lorenzo was waiting for him with some important clients at the other side of the lounge. He left with a parting comment and made his way over.

****

Jourdain was annoyed. Not immensely so, but getting there. “What?” She asked, probably for the third time. Alicia, a friend and a waitress at the Orange Tabby sighed, “Please Jourdain? I really can’t do this.” Jourdain shook her head. “You want me to cover for you? I am not a waitress! I’m barely a bartender! No, I can’t do it. I’m sorry.” “Jourdain, come on! My asshole ex is out there and I really, really do not want to sit there with a smile and serve him. I’ll cover for you at the bar. You can have my tips. Just say yes.” Jourdain relented, picking up a serving tray and a notepad. “What table should I see to first?” Alicia smiled widely, “Thank you! Thank you! Table four---five guys just sat down there. They are really cute too, a little dangerous looking,” Alicia winked. Jourdain chuckled a little. “You know I’m engaged to Maxwell.” Alicia rolled her eyes, “Please, Maxwell doesn’t have anything on these guys.”