by Nikki Bopp
“That's really good, and I'm sure it can be difficult at times when you're not used to it.”
“Exactly. I don't even have to say anything, they just know.”
“It sounds to me,” Mia begins with a smile. “That these men have become a pretty important part of both Eva and your lives in these last couple weeks.”
“Yeah, that's true. I really like them, Mia.”
“I think you love them, Jenny.”
“Oh, no, no, no. I’ve only known them for a month. You can't fall in love with someone in a month...can you?”
“I don't know, can you?” Mia asks with a raised brow. Shoving a handful of mushed muffin in her mouth, she checks her watch before gathering her purse and phone. “I gotta go to work, but I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry for how I reacted last night. It was irrational of me. I knew, in my heart, what she was doing, and I know how hard it was for you even to consider telling me. I'm sorry, please forgive me.”
“There's nothing to forgive,” I whisper, standing up to hug her.
Pulling away, Mia gives me a sympathetic look and kisses me on the cheek. “Talk to him, Jenny, or you'll never forgive yourself.”
“Ugh, I don't know about that. I kind of left in a pretty big huff yesterday.”
“Well,” looping her arm through mine, Mia leads us outside to the quiet street. “I'm sure it would surprise the hell out of them if you waltzed in there intent on fixing things, wouldn't it?”
“Yeah…,” I hedge, unsure of what to do. I don't want to come off as needy, but at the same time, I do want some answers. Plus, I miss the guys. “It couldn't hurt to see what he has to say.”
“That's the perfect way to look at it. Now, why don't you go home, take a shower, and put on something nice? Make them regret ever making you cry.” She punctuates her words with a wink. Pulling me in for a tight hug, “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“How about we do a girls' night with Breezy soon?”
“I think that sounds amazing,” I reply, a little taken aback by her willingness to spend a night with Breezy without my urging. Can someone bounce back from a split from their significant other this quickly? Is this some form of shock? Giving her a once over, she looks like the same old Mia that I’ve known forever, but I have no idea what I'm supposed to be looking for. “You sure you're okay?”
“I'm freaking awesome,” Mia beams a smile back at me and turns on her heel and begins to skip in the direction of PRI. “Maybe I'll see you at the office later?”
“Sure!” I call bewildered by this new version of Mia. It's not a bad thing, it's just...weird. I don't think I've seen Mia this bubbly since we were in middle school and giggling over boys. Shaking my head, I hop into the SUV, which purrs to life as soon as I ask Wyatt to take me back home.
My eyes stay firmly fixed on the scenery passing outside of the window, but after the second brush of his eyes on me in the rearview mirror, I give up my resolve and focus my attention on him. “Just say whatever it is that you've been dying to say, Wyatt.”
From my position, I can see his shoulder tense at my words. He doesn't like to be outright challenged. Good to know. Clearing his throat, he sets his sights on the road, refusing to look at me. “I drove Mr. Price home last night, and he was very upset.”
“I don't see what that has to do with me,” I grumble, crossing my arms like a petulant child. A part of me wants to urge him to continue, while the other wants me to scream at him to shut up.
“I was bringing it up because I thought it might be something you'd be interested in knowing. It doesn't seem like you're very happy right now either…,” Wyatt’s voice trails off, and we don't say anything else for the rest of the five-minute drive. When he pulls up to the curb, I slide to the edge of the seat and, after taking a deep breath, instruct him to keep the car waiting. He gives me a curt nod and leans back in his seat after turning off the engine.
Running inside and straight into the shower, I take the time to think over everything that has happened recently, from the failed date with Nicholas to my car chat with Wyatt. The only thing that has been the constant is my family and friends, and while I would have considered Dan, Pat and Ed friends prior to this, I can't help but think of them as family more than anything else. Each of them has been there for me anytime I’ve needed them. While it was kind of creepy to find out about the private investigator part, it didn't surprise me that Daniel went to such lengths because that's just who he is. Patrick would get me a whole new cell phone because my crazy ex-husband doesn't seem to get the hint, and Edward would give up his driver because he didn't want Eva and me walking around the city. They've done so much for me, and I think I owe it to them to give them this.
Decision made, I wash off the suds and step out of the shower set on surprising the socks right off of them. A plain black skirt that hits just above my knees is first. While it may seem conservative, every step allows the slit on the side to gape open, revealing quite a large amount of flesh, and any other day I wouldn't be caught dead wearing this to work, but this isn't any other day.
The nude-colored bra is entirely see-through and does nothing but hold my breasts up perfectly in the black silk button-up blouse that I tuck into the top of my skirt. The entire outfit is form-fitting, outlining the wide set of my hips and ample breasts, but I’ve never been more comfortable in myself knowing that my men love every single inch of me. My green scarf from Patrick is wrapped around my neck, along with a dab of Edward’s Tom Ford’s perfume. Daniel’s bracelet, which hasn’t left its place since being secured there, tinkles softly, the diamonds reflecting the light and assuring me that I'm making the right decision.
Smiling to myself, I grab my purse and hurry outside, feeling like a teenager going on her first date. They just don't know that I'm coming.
“Here we are, Miss Ray,” Wyatt pulls the car over, PRI looming in front of us and sending my stomach straight into the ground with my nerves. Swallowing thickly, I reach for the handle, stepping into the chilly Seattle air feeling like my resolve is going to crumble with the slightest touch. It's easy to say how much I want to reach out and take what I want, but when confronted with all this, it drives home how out of my depth I am.
“Jenny!” A female voice calls, halting me in my tracks. The click of heels alerts me to her approach, and when I turn to see who it is, I'm not all that surprised to find Sierra’s pissed off face hovering inches from my own.
“Hello Sierra, how can I help you today?”
“Who the hell do you think you are? You can’t just show up here and ruin my marriage and then get Nicholas fired without any proof!”
“Ohhh, Nicholas got fired, did he? That's too bad. I heard he was blackmailing the executives. Unfortunately, that's against the law. As for your marriage, that's really on you. Maybe you should learn to keep your legs closed, and maybe get tested for STDs. If you’ll excuse me, I do have an important meeting to get too…,” reaching for the door, I attempt to pull it open only to be stopped by Sierra’s hand next to my face on the glass. In the reflection, I can see the wild look in her eye, the bared teeth and hatred overflowing from her very being.
“Don't fool yourself, Jennifer, He’ll use you and throw you away just like he did me. Daniel Price only needs you until he's had his fill.”
“Y’know Sierra,” I murmur, turning around, so I'm facing her directly. This forces her to take a step back and allows me to hide the movements behind my back. “The great thing about Daniel Price, Edward Maccini, and Patrick Roswell is that there is more than enough man to go around, and I’m a forever kind of girl.” Holding my left hand up, Sierra gapes at the diamond ring shining brightly on my ring finger. “Now why don't you do yourself a favor and leave Mia alone before I have to take matters into my own hands and hire someone to take it into theirs since after all,” gesturing to the towering skyscraper behind us, “this will all belong to me soon enough.”
With my final words said, I turn on m
y heel and pull open the door to PRI, laughing at the confused expression of the receptionist. “Oh, by the way. If she tries to enter the building, call security. If you have any issues, speak to Daniel Price. Got it?” She nods her head and ducks behind her computer.
The ride up to the elevator is thankfully uneventful, but I take the time to move my grandmother's ring back to its rightful place on my right hand, where it usually sits. The executive floor is quiet when the doors open, but that's not unusual. Ingrid looks up from her desk with boredom and does a double-take upon seeing who it is.
“Jenny! Are you feeling better?”
“I sure am Ing. How are you doing today?”
“Oh, I'm doing alright. These men are in quite the tizzy today, and it's wearing on every one of my nerves.”
Laughing, I pat her on the shoulder, “I'm sure it is. Where are they right now?”
“They're about to get out of a meeting.”
“Why don't you go ahead and take a break? I'll take care of em for you.”
“That would be great! Thanks.”
“Sure,” patting her on the back, I meander my way back to Daniel’s office, figuring that the rest of the guys will eventually make their way there since that's where they usually congregate. My desk, when I pass it, is piled high with packages and paperwork that makes me grimace in disgust. That's going to be a disaster to deal with.
Daniel’s office is empty, which I already knew, but I certainly didn't want to be surprised by a maid or supervisor picking up something. Looking over the office, I try to decide the best place to do this. I want the power. I want them to see me as the alpha.
My eyes have just settled on Daniel’s desk when I hear male voices echoing down the hall. Hustling across the room, I hop on the end of Dan’s desk and cross my legs in what I hope is a sexy pose. When the door is pushed in, Pat and Ed both stop in their tracks when they see me, their jaws dropping open, so I assume it was at least somewhat successful.
“I don't know, I-” Dan’s words are cut off when he runs directly into the back of his friends, the three of them tripping over themselves to stay upright. “What the hell are-” Dan curses, stopping short when he catches sight of me. “Jenny,” he murmurs my name like a prayer.
“Daniel,” I reply in a sharp tone, watching in satisfaction as he winces. Ed rolls to his feet, helping Pat up, but when they offer a hand to Dan, he shakes his head. Shrugging his shoulders, Edward strolls over to give me a kiss that makes my toes curl and makes me wish I wasn't here for an actual reason. Patrick, being the sweet one, simply pulls me in for a tight hug, giving me the comfort and solidarity he knows I need more than anything at this moment. They both take a seat off to the side, knowing that my grudge is with Daniel.
When he starts to crawl towards me across the floor, I raise a brow in surprise. I would never have expected the great Daniel Price to crawl on the filthy floor for anyone.
“I'm sorry,” he murmurs once he's close enough for me to hear. Sitting back on his heels, he looks up at me through tear fogged eyes, sorrow, and pain so blatantly clear. “I'm so sorry, Jennifer. I never meant to hurt you. I just...I just didn't know how to tell you, and I was afraid that once I told you that you wouldn't give us a chance. You wouldn't give me a chance.”
“Daniel, we all have a past, I know that. I can't hold something against you for what you did before I knew you. Keeping something from me, something like this is huge.”
“I know,” Daniel murmurs, shaking his head in disgust. “I tried so many times to tell you, but then I wasn't sure how. I was afraid you'd hate me.”
“If there's anything I know right now, is exactly how you're feeling, and that's why I forgive you,” holding my finger up, I halt the excitement I can see building in his face. “But I want you to tell me the truth about what happened. Right now.”
“Absolutely! She means absolutely nothing to me. It was the one time, and ever since then, I've told her to leave me alone, but she just keeps showing up. I've had to call the police to my apartment several times. That's why I hired the drivers, they know her face, and if she comes near me, they can take care of it.”
“She's been to your apartment?” I ask remembering the first day I met Daniel and the woman who answered the phone. She sounded so familiar, but I couldn't recall who she was.
“Unfortunately, yes,” Dan grumbles, scratching the back of his neck. “I’ve changed the lock maybe a dozen times. Fired countless security guards too. Why?”
“The day we first met, you asked me to call and let you know if I could start the next day, but a woman answered.”
Daniel’s brows furrow in thought before smoothing out with realization, “Ah fuck! She tried to start some shit that night. I told her to leave, and when I got out of the shower, she was gone. I didn't even think about you calling. I swear, nothing happened. I don't want anything to do with her.” Staring into his eyes, neither of us move for what feels like an eternity, simply looking into each other's souls. It's not until a smile slowly starts to spread across my face that Daniel pulls away with a concerned look.
“Why are you smiling like that?”
“Well, she doesn't really want anything to do with you right now, anyway.”
“What’d you mean?” Dan asks in confusion, and maybe a tinge of hope.
“I might have made it seem like you were engaged, and then I threatened her with hitmen if she bothered Mia again.”
“You...what?” Dan’s question is punctuated by Ed’s and Pat’s howls of laughter that only makes my own snickers all the harder to contain. When Daniel jumps to his feet, his hands intent on the ticklish spots of my ribs and hips, the giggles quickly turn to wails of laughter and begging for mercy.
“Stop! Please!”
“Excuse me,” Ingrid calls from the door, her face stoic and steadfast at the tickle fest currently going on. “The IRS is in the waiting room.”
“I'm sorry, what?”
“Agent Birk and Lawson of the IRS are in the waiting room,” Ingrid snaps before exiting the room with a glare.
Edward jumps to his feet, the CFO persona firmly falling into place with a button of his suit jacket. “I'll take care of this.”
“I'll notify the accounting department so we can get all the records ready for their review, Patrick adds, pulling his cell phone from his pocket. Helping me from the desk, Daniel helps right my clothes, ensuring that I'm steady on my feet before kissing me lightly on top of the head.
“We’ll take care of this,” he murmurs with a smile. “Nothing we haven't dealt with before.”
“It was probably that jackass Nicholas,” Edward throws over his shoulder before exiting the room. Humming to himself, Daniel follows behind, closing the door behind him with a soft click.
“Ugh,” I grumble, throwing myself into the closest chair.
“What's wrong, sweety?” Patrick asks, making me jump. I forgot he was still in the room.
“Nothing, I was just hoping for something more than...this.”
My words cause Pat to chuckle and my cheeks to flush at the implications of what I just said. “Sorry, we couldn’t offer office sex at this very moment, but I’m sure we can oblige as soon as the government leaves.”
“That's-” my words are cut off by the buzzing of my phone in my purse. Growling under my breath, I answer the phone with a curt, “Hello.”
“Well, hello there, wifey. I've missed you too,” Jonathan’s voice is thin and reedy, his words slurred with his overabundance of alcohol no doubt. Pulling the phone away from my ear, I'm about to hit the end button, but I'm stopped by his next words, “Now I wouldn't hang up if I was you, or our precious Evangeline might be the one getting the belt this time since you're not here.”
Feeling like the breath has been kicked from my lungs and the world ripped from beneath my feet, I listen with every heartbeat for his next words, praying that my baby girl is alright. “Good girl,” Jonathan continues after a moment's pause. “Now what you're go
nna do is ditch your boyfriends and find a car, can you do that?”
“Yes,” I reply, scared that the one word will push Jonathan over the edge of content to pissed off in one second.
“Good, do that. I'll call you in twenty minutes with your next instructions.” The line goes dead.
Lowering the phone, I stare down at the background image of Eva and me at the butterfly pavilion, Patrick and Daniel behind us. That day was by far the best day in a line of many, and Jonathan also ruined it.
“Everything alright?” Patrick asks from his spot on the couch, his eyes focused on the screen of his phone, glasses balancing on the tip of his nose.
Realization of what I'm going to have to do runs through me, making me feel even worse of a person at this moment. “Yep, everything is fine,” I reply with a chipper smile. Standing up, I make my way over to the couch, but rather than sitting beside him, I drop myself into his lap with a laugh and “Geronimo!”
Pat laughs but obligingly wraps his arms around me, pulling me closer until there's no room between us. Running my hands over his body, I kiss him softly on the mouth, moaning his name when I feel his body start to respond. “Hold that thought,” I murmur seductively. “I need to use the ladies' room.”
“Ugh,” Patrick groans, splaying back against the couch in the sexiest pose I've ever seen. If I wasn't on a mission, I might be tempted, but Eva is depending on me. Patrick’s door slams open with the full weight of my body, making me wince and hope that he doesn't hear it from Dan’s office just a couple of rooms over. His suit coat is hanging on the back of the door, and when I take it down, the telltale jingle of keys reaches my ears. Snatching them from the pocket, I toss the jacket on the floor and hightail it to the elevator with only the keys and cell phone in hand, uncaring of my purse left behind.
Pushing the call button, I step into the lift right as Dan and Edward come around the corner, two suited men in tow. The guys raise their brows in surprise and concern, probably because of the tears I can feel wetting my cheeks, but I don't have time to contemplate it.