“Yeah, until the New Year. It’s all the end of year accounting mess. Then, after the first of the year, they give them extra vacation time to recuperate.” His eyes strayed toward the closet. He was dying to go through and pull out clothes to donate.
“Bless his heart. I hope you’re taking good care of him.” I poked his shoulder to bring him back to our conversation.
“Of course, I am!” Todd said, mock offended. “I spoil him more than I spoil you!”
We continued to banter and plan our shopping weekend while Todd teased my hair into some sort of punk rock up-do, wilder than I’d ever fix for myself. When headed to a club, though, I didn’t mind the extra edginess. When he finished my makeup, it was also on the edgy side. Lots of black eyeliner and a bold, red lip. Satan took one peek at me and ran.
Staring into the mirror, I took a critical self-appraisal. “I love it, Todd. You’ve surprised me. I didn’t expect to be pretty with this much extra…stuff.”
“You’re gorgeous. If you let me dye your hair, it’ll make those big eyes and luscious skin pop even more.”
Dramatically, I rolled my eyes. “One day. One step at a time.”
Todd left me with my dress and heels while he went to the spare bedroom to get ready. He wanted to play date-night with Rick and go pick him up. Rick always teased him for his romantic antics, but I believed he loved it, too.
The baby blue dress with a black lace overlay on the sleeveless bodice was phenomenal. The skirt stopped at my knee. Any longer and I would’ve resembled a princess in a cartoon. A silk belt crossed my waist, and the skirt flared when I twirled. I turned on some dancing music and spent several minutes making myself dizzy watching the dress float around me.
To keep it modest, a short pencil skirt hid underneath and stayed close to my body. The tightness of it made me sultry, but at the same time, I’d still be a lady.
I lost track of time as I twirled and admired myself. I glanced up from my beautiful dress and found Todd leaning on the doorframe, watching me. I squealed in surprise. “How long have you been standing there?
“Long enough. I thought you hated wearing dresses and skirts?”
“Hush. This dress is amazing, and you know it. I’m allowed to feel like I’m playing dress up when I wear something this fabulous.” I smiled prettily and flipped my skirt at him.
Laughter filled the room. “I guess you are.”
Suddenly, I wasn’t the only one squealing. Arch stood behind Todd. I’d watched him approach, but Todd had no idea. “What in the pits of gay hell?” Todd shouted, voice three octaves too high, as his hand came up to cover his heart.
“Sorry, buddy! I knocked, but I guess you didn’t hear it over the music. I tried the handle, and it opened right up.” Arch turned to me, lecturing. “Ellie, after what happened with your stepbrother, then your stepmother trying to break in, I’d expect you to be more careful.” Arch sounded disappointed in my behavior. The feelings of guilt and shame his words evoked surprised me. His opinion of me had grown enough to make my gut clench at his disappointment.
I tried not to let my emotions show as I attempted to give Arch a wide eyed, innocent stare, but it probably didn’t translate well with the eyeliner and punk hair. Todd came to my rescue, though. “I’m the one who left it unlocked, and you’re right. With all that’s happened, I shouldn’t have.” He turned to me. “I’m sorry, Ells.”
“It’s okay, Todd. We aren’t used to being paranoid. This is a new, uncomfortable experience for us all.” I tried to let Todd off the hook, but I was a little worried he left it unlocked. I’d been fastidious about locking it and setting the security system since the incident with Mitch. The nightmares alone were enough to make me careful. Plus, the building manager had informed me they didn’t know where my stepmother or Mitch had gotten access codes. They made the entire building change their security codes again as a precaution.
“Ellie, I’m sorry I didn’t say this the second I walked in, but you look amazing.” I shivered as Arch’s eyes raked up and down my body.
“I’m not finished yet; wait until you see her in the complete ensemble.” Todd gave a fake sniff and wiped at a nonexistent tear as he scurried to my closet. He returned with a pair of silver, strappy heels. The shoes were covered in a clear layer to keep them secure on my feet when dancing. The clear layer was covered in tiny rhinestones, making the shoes appear to be made of glass. “Put these on, and my masterpiece will be complete!”
The tight underskirt of the dress made it more difficult to reach the straps, but I sat dutifully on the bed and began the difficult task of maneuvering them onto my feet.
From the corner of my eye, I watched Arch stride forward. He took the heels from my hand and crouched in front of me. I gawked up at Todd with wide eyes, chills traveling up and down my body. A mass of blazing flames filled my abdomen. Todd made a face while mouthing, “Oh, my dear baby antelopes, he’s putting your shoes on for you.” This statement was punctuated by the O shape of his mouth and his eyebrows dangerously close to vacating the top of his forehead.
Arch ran a finger along my inseam, causing a small snort to erupt from my mouth. He grinned up at me. He knew the effect he had on my body. Behind him, Todd bounced on his toes, nearly clapping in exhilaration. I tried to stop, but the laughter flowed.
With both feet safely ensconced, he placed one hand on my knee and used it to push himself to his feet. His hand lingered there for a moment before he offered it to help me stand.
I heard the snap of a camera and jerked my head up in time to see Todd lowering his phone. He closed his screen and winked at me. “Picture couldn’t have come out more perfect if I tried,” he said. “You’re a regular fairy tale princess.” Arch’s cell vibrated before he could comment on the photo taking.
Grabbing his phone, Arch glanced down at the screen before placing it in his jacket pocket. “The guys are downstairs having some difficulties getting in. The codes don’t seem to be working again. I’m going to run down there and get them. Meet us down there?” I nodded, and with a wink in my direction, he turned and headed out of the apartment.
I took a few steps to test my stability, growing used to wearing heels; I didn’t totter once. I couldn’t wait to show off my dancing skills. “Okay, let’s go boogie! Finals are over!” I skipped to the front door and flung it open, ready to get the other guys and go to the club.
Stepping into the hallway, I was greeted with a sight I wasn’t prepared for. My stepmother found a way around the security again. She stepped off the elevator as Todd came up behind me and put a hand on my waist before he realized who stood in front of me. “Hello, Raquel.”
“Ellie.” She stared at the hand on my waist. Todd squeezed and gave Raquel a nasty smile.
He spoke for me. “What the hell do you want, Raquel? Why are you here? And how the hell did you get in here, again?
If Raquel noticed Todd’s emphasis on the last word, she didn’t show it.
“I’m here to give you the chance to give up before you ruin your precious lawyers’ reputations.” Her upper lip curled as she peered past me into my apartment.
“What’re you talking about?” Todd was getting angry. I could tell because his hand dug painfully into my side.
“Either you drop your case, or I’ll turn you in for the dates you’ve had with your lawyers, and the time you’ve spent in their apartments and cars and most likely, their beds. I have photos. I hired a PI.” She had an awfully smug expression on her face for someone with a slew of misinformation. I placed my hand on Todd’s arm to silence him.
I had an idea, but didn’t know if I was brave enough to say it. When her face turned triumphant at my silence, however, I pictured of the guys and what they’d done for me. I found the courage to blurt it out. “That’ll be fine. You turn in your photos, and I’ll turn in the video I have of you trying to get into my apartment, and the video from the lobby, super’s office, elevator, and hallway.” Then, remembering what I’d said to the
super, “Including today’s meeting, as I know you didn’t find your way in here with permission.”
She blinked at me several times, mulling over my words. “You’re bluffing.” Her face was impassive, but I knew her mind was in overtime.
“Let’s find out.” I’d already double checked with Charles—as long as Arch, Wes, and Gray stayed away from my case, we could date. She didn’t know it, but she had no leg to stand on.
“Fine. I won’t say another word about it. I want you to know you can’t win this lawsuit. And I won’t destroy my pictures. I’ll have them in case I need them.”
“We’ll see. Now please leave and don’t return.” Raquel gave me one more ice-bitch glare before whirling and stomping down the hall. I let out the breath I held, and my body relaxed.
Once the elevator doors closed behind her, Todd leaned in to whisper in my ear. “You don’t have any video evidence. Your camera system was turned off. And the hallway cameras didn’t get a clear shot because of the hat she wore.”
“Yes, dear, but she doesn’t know that. I’m thankful she bought it. We aren’t breaking any laws or ethics, but what a pain in the butt it would be if she released her pictures.”
“Don’t you still need to contact the police department and cancel the charges? They were waiting on video evidence to issue a warrant.”
“Hmmm? What did you say?” I asked distractedly. I was celebrating my small victory in my head. I reveled in finally taking the upper hand. “Yeah, I’ll do it tomorrow.”
I turned to face Todd. He was dashing in a gray, slim-cut suit. I twirled to make my skirt fly and headed for the hallway, grabbing my purse on the way. Todd used his key to lock up behind us, and we went to pick up Rick.
Once there, Todd rapped three times and stood with one hand on his lapel. “You’re so debonair,” I whispered as the door cracked open. Rick stepped out with a grin on his face. The love between the two of them shone as they greeted each other with a hug and an intimate kiss. As we walked to the elevator, I trailed behind and watched fondly as they talked quietly, their interlocked hands swinging between them.
When the elevator stopped at the lobby, the doors opened to a smiling Arch. Everyone stepped out and Rick reluctantly released Todd, who exchanged a hearty handshake with Arch. Immediately after releasing their hands, Rick flung his arm around Todd and turned to us. “I’m ready to go, but let me say this now, Cynthia Eleanor Asche, you better let me dance with my husband tonight.”
Arch laughed, and his arm encircled my shoulders, mimicking Rick. “We’ll likely be fighting over who gets to dance with her. Although, I do want to watch them in action once. I hear it’s a sight to see.” He laughed and smirked at me. “One more thing… Eleanor?”
I gasped in mock outrage. “It’s a family name! Besides, I figured you saw it in my file.”
“Besides the initial signing, I’ve had nothing to do with your case, so I haven’t studied your file. I didn’t even draft the original document for signing. Meaning Eleanor is a big surprise to me.” His eyes filled with mirth.
Rick broke out in chuckles. He spared my embarrassment by taking the conversation back to the dancing. “They are impressive. Most likely, we’ll end up drinking at a table while they dance. At least until we force them to leave.”
I started to argue with him, but bit my tongue—he was right. Grabbing Arch’s hand on my shoulder, I pulled him down the hall. “Dance, dance, dance!” I chanted my way to the garage, swaying my hips to my own beat.
As we waited for the others to pull up, I caught Todd staring at my feet. “What?” I asked with a touch of snark.
“I’m excited I got you in heels.”
“Heels aren’t a totally new thing for me, Todd.”
“Not when dancing. You’ve always worn flats before. This business about needing a more professional image has made you putty in my hands,” he said triumphantly.
“I’m glad my stressful lawsuit made your life better.” I rolled my eyes at him.
“Me, too, doll face. Me, too.”
A horn honked, and I lurched forward, expecting to see one of the guys’ SUVs pulling into the parking garage. A high-pitched noise emanated from my mouth I didn’t even realize I could make. It was a sound of delight, followed by a similar sound from Todd. Arch’s grin answered me, but I asked anyway. “Is this for us?”
When Arch nodded the affirmative, Todd and I ran over to the stretch hummer pulling in. Rick and Arch chuckled behind us.
A chauffeur in a tuxedo bowed slightly as he opened the door for us. I dove in as gracefully as I could. My excitement bubbled over even more when I spied the occupants of the limo. Gray and Wes sat inside. “My gosh, you’re already here! I’m as happy as a pig in mud!”
Wes threw his head back and laughed. “I haven’t heard that expression since I left Atlanta!”
“My grandmother used to say it.”
“She repeats her grandmother’s sayings when she gets excited and forgets to filter her mouth.” Todd and Rick settled in beside the bar and prepared champagne to hand around. “It’s cute the first four thousand times one slips out, but it gets old.”
“It doesn’t happen often!” I said, indignant. My grandmother used those old southern expressions so often they became a part of my vocabulary for years. She passed away when I was eleven, but the expressions remained. By the time I entered high school, Mitch and Michelle told me repeatedly it was weird, so I stopped. I only used them around Todd.
I accepted a glass of champagne and sat opposite Rick and Todd. The handsome trio sat on the bench seat. “And why shouldn’t I be excited? It’s not every day we get a limo. When was the last time we rented any sort of car?”
Todd sipped his bubbly and winked. “Senior prom. We got a regular limo.” He became distracted by Rick tickling his neck. I turned my attention to the lawyers.
“You look amazing.” Gray lifted his glass to me with a smile.
Wes also toasted me. “He’s not lying. You’re phenomenal.”
I tried to look down demurely because that was the appropriate response to such compliments, but it was difficult to restrain my joy. For once, it was possible I did look amazing. “Thank you both. You’re pretty phenomenal yourselves.” The excitement of the night overwhelmed me, and I bounced a bit in my seat. “Where are we going?”
“First, we’re going to eat. The second stop, I’m not telling. It’s is a surprise. After we leave there, a club.” Arch scooted across the limo to speak to the driver, and we were off.
Gray moved seats to be beside me. “Hermosa, I’m excited to be going out with you tonight, even if it’s not an official date.”
I smiled at his use of the Spanish pet name. “I know I’m overly excited, a bit, but it’s been a long time since I’ve gone out like this. We’re going to have a blast!”
“We are. I can’t wait to get you in that dress out on the dance floor.” He leaned in, voice soft in my ear. “You’ve never danced the way I’ll lead you.”
“Geez,” I breathed. Goosebumps erupted all over my body. Gray didn’t fail to notice my discomfort.
“What did you do to Ellie?” Wes asked, sliding over to sit on the other side of me.
“Nothing she didn’t enjoy.” He winked and moved to sit beside Arch.
“He’s a flirt,” Wes commented.
“And you’re not?” I asked, a challenge in my voice.
“He’s got me beat.” He laughed and threw his arm around me.
The brief kiss Gray and I shared sprang into my mind, causing more goose bumps to erupt. “Do you know where we’re headed?” I asked in an attempt to change the subject. I’d never attempted puppy dog eyes on anyone but Todd before, but I was still euphoric over finally besting my stepmother. I decided to take a shot, hoping to sway him to tell me.
He stared at my pouting face, unruffled. “I do. And I’m not telling.”
That didn’t work out. But it didn’t diminish my euphoria. I chatted with Wes about o
ur favorite books until we pulled up to a famous high rise in the downtown area. I pretended to be a real celebrity as I slid out of the limo. Unfortunately, the society reporters were camped in the area waiting on the possibility of an actual celebrity appearance, because as soon as I set one heel-clad foot on the ground, flashbulbs blinded me.
My body froze, blocking the view of the other people in the Hummer. I didn’t expect to be recognized and hoped they didn’t realize who I was—opposite of my normal, casual self. They’d been obsessed with me since the trial started, but I managed to avoid them more often than not.
One of them recognized me, dashing my hopes of anonymity. “Ellie, over here! Smile for us! Who are you wearing?”
“Ellie!” Todd hissed from behind me. “Smile, walk forward, and wave at the cameras. Rick and I will flank you.” I stepped forward one step.
Todd and Rick placed hands on the small of my back, moving me forward. I pasted the most convincing smile I could muster on my face while Todd spoke to the press. He told them the designer of my dress, purse, and shoes, and even who made my jewelry. By the time he ran through everything I wore, we made it inside.
“Why didn’t you tell them who made my underwear?” I asked with a laugh as I gave them both a side hug. “Thank you for talking for me and for protecting me.”
“That’s a secret we’ll keep between you, me, and Victoria,” he said and pulled me further inside the lobby. “Let’s go up to the restaurant and meet the guys. The limo driver is driving them around to a service entrance.”
I was taken aback. “Why in the world would they go that way?”
“They said even though they were perfectly allowed to be out with you, they’d prefer not have their faces in the society columns if possible. It takes away from their serious image.”
“Okay, I can understand that. Hopefully, by the time this trial is done, the press will forget about me and go back to the socialites. Anyway, I got distracted by the press, but I know where we’re going. I’ve always wanted to eat here!”
“We’ve been trying to get reservations for ages. We were about to ask you to use your last name to get us some,” said Rick.
Falling For Them Volume 2: Reverse Harem Collection Page 48