Come Together

by Jessica Hawkins

  “Yes, it definitely will be, but I want you there. I think you understand how important Mack is to me, how important Davena was. They’ve always been like godparents.”

  “Then I’d be honored to meet him. What time should I pick you up here?”

  “Dinner’s at seven, and it’s close to the apartment.”

  He nodded. Jerry alerted us that he was finished, so I walked them back to the lobby. As we zigzagged through the office, I grasped David’s hand and after a look of surprise, I was rewarded with his wonderfully perfect boyish grin that I decided was one of my favorite things in the world.

  At the elevator bank, Jerry averted his eyes as David swooped in for one last kiss. “See you tonight,” he said.

  I left them at the elevator and returned to the lobby, where Serena and Jenny blockaded me from passing.

  “We need details,” Jenny demanded.

  “Like, now,” Serena added.

  I sighed heavily. “You two are incurable gossips.”

  “Is that how the story starts?” Jenny chided. “I didn’t think so. Spill.”

  “As you may have figured out, Bill and I are getting a divorce.” I gestured over my shoulder. “And I’m dating David.”

  “Get out!”

  “Shut up!”

  “Well, which is it?” I teased. Finally I allowed my smile to break through, and they started jumping up and down.

  “How did this happen?” Jenny squealed.

  “It’s a long story.”

  “He is the most beautiful man in Chicago,” Serena gushed.

  “Who is?”

  We looked over at Lisa, who had appeared and was leaning against Jenny’s desk.

  “Liv’s boyfriend.”

  “Uh, Bill?” she asked.

  “No,” Jenny said, rolling her eyes. “She’s getting a divorce. We’re talking about her boyfriend.”

  “And that would be . . . ?”

  “David Dylan,” I said, perhaps a little too proudly.

  Her mouth fell slightly. “David Dylan? From Most Eligible?”

  I nodded.

  “Yeah fucking right . . . David Dylan and you?” Her back straightened, and she avoided my glare by looking behind me.

  I was irritated by Lisa’s comment, so I decided to brag. “Yep,” I said loudly so she would hear. “Me and David Dylan, who is, as Serena said, the hottest guy in Chicago. But, believe it or not, he’s also sweet and romantic and . . .” I sighed happily. “Seriously amazing.”

  “Ahem.”

  I paled and turned around slowly. David was behind me, staring at us. Jenny and Serena gasped. Lisa snickered. David was grinning – big. “Jerry took your pen. Asked me to return it.” He held it out.

  I took the pen, thinking it was the absolute most ridiculous reason ever to get caught gushing about your boyfriend. I mumbled a ‘thanks’ and turned, but he grabbed my arm and spun me around into his body.

  He held me firmly and planted a sweet kiss on my lips. “You are seriously amazing,” he said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “And I love you.”

  The two wilting sighs behind me harmonized with my own. He released me and winked before shooting Lisa an especially chilling glance that made even my heart stutter. When I turned back they appeared about to explode.

  “He loves you?” Jenny exclaimed. “You are so goddamn lucky!”

  “I am,” I agreed.

  “You aren’t lucky, Liv. You deserve it,” Serena said as if it were obvious. “He’s the one who’s lucky.”

  I searched her face and found only sincerity. “Thank you, Serena. That’s really sweet.”

  She smiled, and we giggled conspiratorially when we noticed Lisa had slunk away.

  ~

  “Should I be worried about this Mack?” David joked, looking me up and down.

  I wore a shimmery pink, long-sleeved shift dress with lace overlay. I tightened my side ponytail. “Why, is it too sexy?”

  “It’s perfect sexy . . . as long as I’m with you at all times.”

  I laughed. “Then my plan is working.”

  “It’s almost seven. You ready?”

  “Yes, sir,” I said, placing my hand in the crook of his arm. I followed him to the elevator and once inside, I rested my head against his shoulder.

  “Jerry advised me to lose Arnaud,” David said as we descended. “He thinks he’s full of shit and a liability.”

  I stilled and looked at the floor. “What did you say?”

  “I said no. It’s a bogus allegation. That’s not a reason to fire someone who’s at the top of his field. I believe him when he says he didn’t do it. Anyway, it did remind me that you said you didn’t like him a while back.”

  I pursed my lips and tilted my head up to watch the floors count down.

  “So?” he prompted.

  “So what, baby?”

  “What made you say that?”

  “I really don’t want to get in the middle. He’s your friend, it’s not my business.”

  The elevator pinged, and he guided me through the hotel lobby. “He’s not my friend; he’s my associate. And the people in my life affect you.”

  “Well, since you asked, I’ll be honest. He makes me very uncomfortable. When he looks at me, it’s like he’s undressing me with his eyes.”

  His arm flexed under my hand. “I would guess a lot of men look at you that way,” he muttered.

  “It’s different. I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried to take advantage of Clare.”

  “He’s intense, and sometimes people don’t get his humor because he’s not from here. That’s why I handle client relations.”

  I shrugged. “Again, I don’t really want to get in the middle, David. Did I mention that I love my new earrings?” He was about to tell me not to change the subject, I knew, so I cut him off. “And that later, I intend to show you how much?”

  That got me a grin. “With a blowjob?”

  I laughed. “If that’s what you want, then yes.”

  We continued walking, and I felt the moment his good mood slipped. “What?” I asked.

  He hesitated. “Cooper called me up today.”

  “Cooper? The detective who helped us with the Mark Alvarez attack?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh, no,” I said, suddenly nervous.

  “Don’t worry. Alvarez is still locked up, and he’s not going anywhere. But Cooper took a special interest in the case because Mark said something to us about having deals with the cops.”

  I nodded. “I remember.”

  “He found some shit that he’s taking care of, but he also found out something about Bill.”

  “Bill? What about him?”

  “He heard, but doesn’t have proof, that Bill withheld evidence during the trial of Mark’s brother, Lou. Bill was the prosecutor in the trial, as you know. Coop suspects it might’ve been the difference between a two-year and a twelve-year sentence for Lou.”

  I squeezed David’s arm. “Bill isn’t like that,” I said. “He’s extremely careful when it comes to work.”

  “Cooper said the same thing. Says he’s a respectable lawyer, but he seems to think there’s truth behind it.”

  “Bill could get fired for that, couldn’t he?”

  “Withholding evidence? It happens, but yeah. Luckily, Coop doesn’t want to see either Alvarez back on the streets, so he doesn’t intend to pursue it. He and I go way back; we were on the swim team together in high school. He told me as a friend, not a cop.”

  “Wow,” I murmured, recalling my encounter with Cooper. There was definitely something trustworthy about him, and if he believed it to be true, it might be.

  “Yeah. Anyway.” David stopped to face me as we approached the restaurant. “I think I should give you and Mack a chance to talk first. I’ll wait at the bar until you’re ready. And if you change your mind about us meeting, I’ll be there when you finish.”

  I sighed. “Thank you, honey.” I lifted my chin, and he kissed me qui
ckly.

  Mack took the news well. He said he’d suspected that I was unhappy with Bill after our last conversation, where I’d broken down in tears in his arms. I explained that in addition to my despair over Davena, I’d spent the months after her funeral trying to convince myself I wasn’t in love with another man.

  “I can tell that you are much lighter, Olivia. Much, much lighter. The difference is appalling actually. You’re glowing.”

  “I’m happy, Mack. And in love, real love – I’d like to think maybe even the way you loved Davena.”

  He looked taken aback. “This is a side of you I’ve never seen. I should like to meet the man who’s brought this out in you.”

  “He’s here. He wants to meet you, but we weren’t sure how you’d react.”

  “He’s here now?”

  “Yes, at the bar.”

  “Oh, dear. Bring him over.”

  I smiled and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you for being supportive.”

  I found David on a barstool with a whiskey in his hand. I put my hand on his shoulder, and he turned to me. I meant to peck him quickly on the lips but lingered there for a moment. “Mmm,” I moaned. “Whiskey reminds me of our first night together.”

  “Do not say another word,” he said. “I can’t meet this guy with a hard-on.”

  I exhaled a laugh and held out my hand. “Come on. It’s going well.”

  We made our way over and Mack stood as I introduced them. They shook hands, and David expressed his regret over Davena’s death. I remembered then that David had been at the funeral, and I squeezed his hand.

  “Liv’s a different woman,” Mack said. “Thank you for that.”

  “She deserves better than what she was getting,” David replied.

  Mack nodded. “Bill was a bit of an ass.”

  I laughed in surprise as my eyes shot to Mack. “Really?”

  “Sorry, dear, but I didn’t care much for his disposition. I wish Davena were here to see this, because she asked me several times what it was you saw in him.”

  “Apparently you’re not the only one. Surprisingly, others have expressed their support too. Not everyone, but that’s understandable.”

  “Your mother?” Mack asked astutely.

  “She insists I’ve made a mistake.”

  He grimaced. “I can see why this would upset her.”

  “She’s more than upset. She’s practically disowned me.”

  “Once she sees you two together, I’m sure her opinion will change.”

  I looked from Mack to David. Would she ever give us that opportunity? I had a hard time envisioning it. Enough time had passed that if she wanted, she could have called to apologize for what she’d said. I tried to think of a time in my life when she’d apologized for anything. “I hope so.”

  “Leanore sounds like a complicated woman,” David said.

  Mack laughed. “Yes. She’s always been headstrong, but complicated and difficult are also words frequently used to describe her.”

  “Difficult, yes,” I agreed, and covered Mack’s hand. “Thankfully I had Davena.”

  David placed his hand on the back of my neck, pulled me close and kissed my temple.

  The rest of dinner was relaxed. They discovered some mutual business acquaintances, and David listened intently about Davena’s foundation, offering his services should Mack be able to use them. At some point during the night, I remembered that I’d once asked David if things were ever going to get easier. It seemed that they were.

  ~

  I was freezing cold. Burrowing further into the bed, I wondered what was taking so long. “David,” I sang.

  “Where are you?” he called.

  I pulled the comforter down a little so I could see him. He was long and lean, and all six feet four of him was gloriously naked. “It’s so cold.”

  I squealed when he jumped on the bed. He climbed under the sheets to cover me with his warmth, tucking my arms under his elbows and my legs between his.

  “That’s perfect,” I exhaled, instantly cured. “Never leave.”

  “Okay.”

  I giggled when he bent his head and breathed hot air on my neck. I wanted to reach up and brush my hand through his soft hair, but he kept me securely pinned under his body. I peered closer and grinned. “Are those grey hairs?”

  “Probably,” he grumbled, “considering what you’ve put me through the last few months.”

  I gaped at him and held back a laugh. “You’re blaming me?”

  “Yes,” he said, kissing my jaw.

  “Well, that’s fine, because I actually find it really sexy.”

  “Good.”

  “Like really, super sexy.”

  “Super sexy, huh?” He moaned against my skin and continued trailing kisses wherever he could reach. Being restrained, all I could do was squirm and bite my lip, which I instantly released since it was tender from the night before. “What’s with all the clothing?” he asked, rising onto his hands and knees, tenting the comforter.

  “It’s winter, and you weren’t here to keep me warm,” I said defensively.

  He began unbuttoning my pajama top, smiling like the scoundrel he was. His eyes grew hungry as he muttered to himself, “It’s like opening a present.”

  I sighed happily and let my lids fall shut as my nipples hardened expectantly.

  “Fuck,” he boomed.

  My eyes flew open. “What?” I looked down and could just see a dark purple bruise forming on my chest where he’d bitten me the day before.

  He sat back, and the comforter slid off his back. He pushed up my shirt and yanked my pants down. “What the fuck?” His fingers gently spread my thighs, and I moved up on my elbows. He ran his hands over my hip and ushered me onto my side. “You are covered,” he paused to inhale, “in bruises.”

  “They’re nothing. I can’t even feel them.”

  “I was too rough with you yesterday,” he said, staring at my legs.

  “No.” I shook my head emphatically. “I loved it.”

  He pushed a hand through his hair and looked away.

  “Hey,” I said, trying to catch his gaze. “Look at me. I’m fine.”

  His jawline flexed. He muttered something about Bill, and I instantly recoiled. “David, the marks he left behind came from anger. This is completely different. Remember what you said about us? It’s all love.”

  He blinked his eyes to me then. “I’m so sorry. It won’t happen again.”

  “No, listen to me.” I crawled onto my knees and took his face in my hands. “You didn’t hurt me,” I said again. “Sometimes we’re loving. Sometimes we’re rough. I would tell you if it was too much.”

  “You didn’t though. You bit your lip bloody instead.”

  “I didn’t stop you because I liked it. I trust you.” His eyes narrowed on me. I fell back onto the bed and kicked him playfully. “Come back here.”

  He hesitated a moment before pulling my pants back up and fixing my top.

  “David, sweetie, don’t do this.”

  “It’s late, you should sleep.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “Office,” he said, jumping off the bed and pulling on his sweatpants.

  “What? You’re going to leave me here, horny and alone?”

  “The more I do tonight, the more time I can spend with you tomorrow.”

  “Yeah, I’m not buying that.” I rolled over onto my side and muttered something about blue balls. The mattress gave when he climbed over me.

  “Don’t pout, honeybee. I really do have work to do, but I’ll be in soon.” He kissed me on the cheek and then on the shoulder before disappearing.

  He turned down sex? Couldn’t he see he was hurting me more by doing that? I was no longer cold, just angry, so I kicked off my pajamas. Maybe he’d wake me up and we could do it then, I reasoned. Despite him telling me not to pout, that’s exactly what I did until I dozed off.

  CHAPTER 23

  I AWOKE IN THE CLUTCHES of
big arms, surprised that I hadn’t felt David come to bed. I was perfectly content to remain pinned against him while I waited for him to wake up too, but he stirred and sighed against my hair.

  “The first time we woke up together, you jumped out of bed before I even had the chance to kiss you. It was bullshit.”

  I smiled and rubbed his arm. “Here we are though.” I rolled my head back to take in his sleepy face. “Were you up late?”

  He just nodded, and shifted to kiss me. I moaned into his mouth, and he pulled back. His eyes fell to my chest, he released me and climbed out of the bed.

  I groaned and rolled back, cursing my sex-battered body. This act was going to get old really fast. I decided to try convincing him it was nothing again and headed into the bathroom.

  “I’ve got an issue,” he said before I could speak. He spit into the sink and set down his toothbrush. “I spoke with my engineer yesterday and things are falling behind on my New York project. I’ve been away too long. I need to make a trip.”

  “Oh. When?”

  “I’m going to see if I can get a ticket this afternoon.”

  “Today?” I exclaimed. “Tomorrow is Thanksgiving.”

  “I know,” he said, rubbing his brow. “But this is important. I’ll have to stay through the weekend.”

  “Your sister is expecting us.”

  “She’ll understand that I can’t make it. You can still go.”

  “Of course I’m going to go. It would be rude not to.”

  “All right.” He walked over and kissed the top of my head. “Come on, beautiful. I’ll fix you something to eat.”

  As I followed him to the kitchen, I couldn’t help wondering if his sudden trip had anything to do with the night before. Would he go all the way to New York to ensure he didn’t hurt me again? “What about Miami?”

  “I’ll have to cancel with Brian.”

  “But you already bought the tickets.”

  “They’re just miles,” he said, retrieving a mug from a cabinet.

  “This is about the bruises, isn’t it?”

  He paused and let his hip fall against the counter. “No. I need to be there. But they do concern me.”

  “There’s nothing to be concerned about.”

  “Maybe the bruises don’t hurt. But they’re there because I lost control. Sometimes I’m so consumed with you that I don’t think straight, and it hit me last night that I could go overboard.”