by R. F. Allie
He was very driven. One of the wealthiest men in the world, man of the year on Times magazine. He owned many businesses and appeared on talk shows with some famous political figures. It was fascinating, he was only twenty eight. He did come from money, but was a prodigy on his own.
He graduated both Harvard and Cambridge in a record time, spent a year working at a prestigious law firm and became the head of one the following year. There wasn't much information about his family, other than a paparazzi picture from his mother's wake. She'd died less than two years ago, around the same time my dad had past. I read as much as I could, but didn't manage to capture everything. I'd spent too much time staring at his pictures, when Jenna had slipped next to me in the bed, she teased me about being as much of a stalker as he was. We'd booked our flights and a hotel room, prepared our suitcases and went to sleep after Landon's last nocturnal call to wish me sweet dreams.
Even though I'd resented him for leaving Calvin with me, he'd turned out to be quite helpful. Since we had no way of knowing where Landon would've been when we'd get to Chicago, he made sure to get me a driver with a badge to get me inside the building or to drive me wherever Mr. Davis would be. He promised his discretion about the whole thing and seemed to be encouraging the whole plan. I tried to brush off all the quirks that obsessed me over the whole situation. I was worried that he wouldn't like to be surprised, or that I'd might be interrupting his work. He'd been stuck with endless work, even when we spoke on the phone, I kept hearing buzzing and heated conversations with some law jargon and numbers.
What scared me most were various ambiguous information I'd read about his relationship with his partner at the firm. They grew up together, and dated a lot. In one particular magazine, they were called 'Chicago Law Sweethearts'. So I might've been throwing myself in the lion's den without knowing it.
Jenna kept reassuring me with her own arguments about the way he talked to me and looked at me. Also the fact that he'd chased me across the continent. It was her way of fueling me, whenever she'd felt that I was going to back off the whole plan and just wait for him to come Saturday night.
After work, I walked outside my office building to find an erratic Jenna yelling in French next to an amused Calvin. He was sipping a coffee and smoking a cigarette, very amused by my friend's choleric state and swears.
I wrinkled my nose and cocked my head darting at the cigarette.
Calvin just shrugged and sighed.
"Bad habits die hard, I'm trying to quit, but this city is too stressful."
I nodded.
"I'm only thinking of your health. Also I hate that stuff."
"I'm sorry."
He sounded a little freaked out.
"No don't, it doesn't bother me. I just hate its very existence, and I want to help you quit."
I said with a smile. He didn't need to know why I was repelled by it, it took my father's resolve and life.
I climbed inside the car and jumped with excitement.
"You didn't think we'd let you go to Chicagoland with only that demented person as a chaperon, did you?"
I jumped into Jude's lap and smothered him in a bone-crushing hug.
I hadn't told him about the whole idea and thought it might've been wiser to just call him from there. It was surely Jenna's doing and I loved her for it.
"I'm so glad you guys are here. This couldn't get any better."
"Oh trust me, it will, once you see what Jen and I got you."
Ryan beamed and I hugged him just as passionately.
I didn't care about any gift. Their presence alone was more than enough.
Jenna jumped inside complaining about her tenant in Paris. He organized a party that ended up with the police showing up and shutting it off. In some Parisian neighborhoods, Jens’ included, people weren't allowed to host noisy parties after midnight and they'd get warning and pay a contravention.
"Party of four heading to Chicagoland!"
Ryan squeaked once Calvin had taken off the car, heading to the airport.
The plane was quiet and we'd managed to find four seats behind each other. I slid next to Jude, while Jenna and Ryan settled next to each other determined to plan a party for the three of them as soon as they'd land. We expected the flight to land around nine thirty and it was more than enough time for me to call Landon and try to get him to tell where he was after a quick shower and change of clothes.
Calvin was my plan B. he'd promised to call and check discreetly from Landon's assistant or his fiancé.
Calvin told me a little about her. She was sort of Landon's personal affairs assistant, she'd take care of his house, his personal travel, cook for him and organize parties. Her name was Alison and despite her busy schedule, she was also putting herself through culinary school with the money she made.
Landon had offered them one of his properties in Chicago’s suburban area as an engagement present. I was astounded by such a show of generosity. Calvin also told me some stories about the time he'd been working for Mr. Davis. In reality, he was not only his driver, but also his personal head of security since he'd left the army eight years earlier. He was only thirty two. I became very fond of him, he had kind eyes and was very respectful towards me. But also very protective around me and my friends. Not to mention, the way he'd helped me with my adventurous leap.
One hour in flight, I grabbed a book and my very time-appropriate playlist baptized 'Sparks of Sanity' and hit repeat on my favorite tune; ’As I moved on’ by ‘Blue Foundation’ was a song that I found suitable for my state of mind and somehow; ever since I met Landon I’ve been moved by the lyrics. I got lost in some French literature. I thought some of Baudelaire's rimes were very suitable for my state of mind. Every time I thought about his reaction when he'd see me and how it would go from there, my stomach quivered.
I tensed playing over all the possible outcomes. I'd never done something without being prepared to its consequences.
Jude nudged me lightly and pulled at my earplugs.
"It's going to be fine Boo. Stop worrying."
He'd whispered gently.
"I don't know. I'm just panicked. I've never felt this way about someone, especially not this fast."
I admitted truthfully.
"I know."
His jaw tightened and took the rigidity that told me where his mind had went at that moment. He was thinking about Caden.
I squeezed his hand, clasped mine to his and leaned on his shoulder.
"Don't!" I admonished,
"I'm not scared of him anymore, and Landon is nothing like him. I can tell."
I explained as honestly as possible.
After Landon had left my apartment; I’d been relaxed enough to sleep in my bed without flinching. I hated that he could still haunt me like that.
"I'm aware of that boo, it's just the way I am, and I just worry about you. I'm proud of the way you've dealt with the whole thing, and I'm glad you're moving on and feeling courageous enough to take this leap of faith."
He paused and kissed my knuckles.
"Call it possessiveness, call it insanity, but I'm the only one who knows what you have to offer and no man will be deserving of it for me. I'm the luckiest man to have you in my life, which you saved on more than one occasion, and it gives me the right to just care for you more than anyone, and beyond any reasonable limit."
Jude's words soothed me. He really was the only person who knew me the most. We'd been through so much with each other. We became inseparable twins one week after we'd met in boarding school and our bond had grown stronger by the day. Last spring's event had ironed it.
His attitude had a way to resemble a smothering mother and a commandeering father in the same time. I'd get exasperated and yell at him, but I could never go to sleep, leaving him mad at me, even when I wasn't wrong. But I could be just as bitchy and asphyxiating as him.
Our friends, except for Ryan and Jenna - who were aware of the major events that had led to such a bond - could never un
derstand our dynamic. They'd thought it creepy and disturbing, and truthfully, we both agreed that it was. They'd mocked us and called us a closeted couple on several occasions before they'd realized that it was nothing more than a very unique friendship.
One year into his relationship with Jude, Ryan had admitted to having some reservations when he'd seen how close we were. It changed with time of course. We didn't spend every breathing moment together, we just were always present for each other, especially when it comes to things that mattered and we loved each other very deeply.
"So just calm down and relax. You are going to surprise him and he's going to be over the moon about it."
He continued with a sinful grin.
"And if he's not... I think I could put all those criminal minds episodes at use."
I giggled and sighed a little relief.
"You're wrong about something though."
I looked at him with a deep expression of both gratitude and love.
"What's that?"
"It is I who is insanely lucky to have you in my life. I can't imagine it without you, ever."
My words lured him to press a long kiss to my temple.
"Lucky for you, you'll never have to."
The rest of the flight went on a little more cheerfully. We drank and laughed until we landed.
We were greeted by a charming driver in front of the airport. He was at least 6' 3' and hovered over all of us. His bright beam illuminated his chocolate skin. He was less formal than Calvin and asked us to call him 'Zee'.
We drove to the hotel with a cheerful Zee who'd promised the guys to come back to pick them up later and get them to some of the best clubs in town. He miraculously managed to convince the hotel manager to allow us to switch from two double beds to one of their prestigious suites. Ryan was in the mood for some pampering and decided that he'd make the best of the weekend.
Jenna had chosen the hotel. I wanted to pick something cheaper and close to the airport, in case I decided to run back to good old safe Manhattan. But she insisted that it was her first time in Chicago and she wanted something exceptional.
She was right. The hotel was truly exceptional in its spirit. Dash of gold, shades of red and a delicate touch of ivory ones. The name suited the era that transpired; 'The Victoria'. I was thankful I had a job, otherwise, I had no idea how I would afford it after my crazy summer trips.
The suite was something out of the world. It had a Mystic vibe. It was also royal and luxurious. A panacea of Victorian era and minimalistic modern accommodation.
I had a shower in one of the most beautiful bathrooms I'd ever been into. I had been through a whole bunch of outfits, it was closing on ten thirty. I went with a crisp Bazaar printed silk popover in crepe de chine and a dark blue café Capri with nude pumps. I kept my curls down and a lush of eyeliner and cherry lip balm.
I grabbed my little clutch and walked to the living area of the suite. My friends were still chilling around Jenna's magic cocktails.
"I can positively say that my job with you is done." Ryan exclaimed when I appeared inside the room.
"You look perfect."
He continued.
"Thank you sweetie."
I was happy with their approval. Ryan used to go crazy with my choice of clothing. I laughed cherishing the memory.
"I need a shot."
I was growing anxious by the minute.
Jenna placed two full shots and a squint of baileys in front of me.
I washed them off down my throat, relishing the burn of the alcohol and the sweetness of the baileys then ran to the door.
"Good luck."
They yelled in unison behind me.
We were driving to the office building. Thanks to Zee and Calvin's investigative prowess, we knew that Landon was in his office gym waiting on a conference call from his other business partner. I read about him, his name was Alec Avery. He was his partner in every other business apart from the law firm.
Landon had called me earlier; he kept insisting that I freed my whole weekend for him and that he was looking forward to see me. I couldn't help sounding amused, which ended up frustrating him a little. I avoided asking him where he was, paranoid that he'd somehow figure my plan out.
I was riding in the elevator with a beaming Zee. The building security eyed us curiously, but he walked us in as if he owned the place. I was surprised to also discover that Mr. Davis had several floors in one of the city's most luxurious tower. I thought it was way too many floors for a law firm.
Zee explained that each floor was reserved for a law department. There was an investigative one in extra, and the entertainment floor had a space for office parties, a gym for employees and a nursery for their kids. I was fascinated.
We walked into what Zee had called the 'Leisure Office'. It was leisure alright, there were a variety of games for adults, as if a lawyer would find time between clients and court to go and play pool and tennis table in an open space. There was a library and several couches lay around. In the center of the wall Davis & Crawley was carved on bright neat glass frame.
We walked past a nursery, there were two little kids sleeping inside, with a seemingly tired petite Asian watching them. It was decorated as if it was a little school.
Then a TV room, two restrooms and a closed cornered room holding the name of Evelyn Crawley. We turned a corner and I could glance at what seemed like a gigantic gym room.
"My work here is done."
Zee beamed at me one last time before waving goodbye in silent, as if to preserve the surprise.
I couldn't tell where Landon stood from where I was.
I sashayed swiftly until I was faced with a back silhouette going full-out on one of the million treadmills. I was nearly giddy with anticipation. He wore black shorts that hugged his ass in the most bewitching way known to mankind. I froze, witnessing the irrefutable proof of how beautiful the man was. His back was strong and lean; a long crook traced its way along his waist. It was both scary and sexy as hell.
I could tell he was plugged in with music. He looked straight through the enormous screen that transmitted 3D images of a park. I pushed my little silhouette through the glass door. Seeing him like that had my determination set off the chart, I walked slowly behind him. The gym was absurdly vast. I went through several machinery and ridiculously filled shelves of towels.
Landon looked to his left; I followed his line of sight to find my own silhouette reflected on the big glass over heading the free weights. He slowed the treadmills until it stopped and stared at my reflection in the mirror, I stared at his as well.
What I experienced watching his shirtless photo in Haiti was nothing compared to what I was witnessing in the middle of that ridiculous office space.
My heartbeat quickened and stopped. Fast breaths rushed out of my slightly parted lips. He was the most breathtaking sight. Chocolate sweaty strands framed his gorgeous face. His eyes were traveling all over me, he blinked once or twice, but my focus was on the rest of him. His biceps made my brain crash; flawlessly cut and aglow. His chest was strong and proportional with the frame of his shoulders. My eyes drifted along his beautiful V wrapped in the sexiest, most refined six packs I'd ever seen.
My breath hitched and I lost my course of thought, drowned in his reflection.
It took him a minute to move again, as if he thought I was the fruit of his imagination. His eyes glimmered with something dangerously appealing and he moved from the treadmill and strode to me.
"Miss Dane."
My inside quivered.
"You are ever the electrifying woman."
Landon didn't hesitate to grab me in the most unforeseen kiss. I would've never imagined that a sweaty man would smell as divine as he did. I was intoxicated.
He cut our sealed lips and frowned.
"I'm sorry. I ruined your shirt."
He said apologetically.
"It's worth it."
I responded pushing myself closer and renewing our kiss. I'd b
een obsessed with all the wrong ways it could've went that I'd forgotten how his lips felt on mine. I offered him an opening and he deepened our kiss greedily with a low groan.
I was wild with arousal as if I was a sex goddess. I kissed him and sucked at his lips. My heart thrummed in my mouth, my insides melted and unfurled with each sweet and salted lush.
To my greatest disappointment, Landon cut our kiss again.
I arched my neck to level with his brain-frying gaze.
A small frown formed between his brows.
"But how? How did you get here?"
"By way of air."
I grinned.
"And into the building? And how did you knew where I would be?"
I smiled smugly and winked at him.
Landon wrapped his arms around me and I relished his warmth.
"Very resourceful little thing, aren't you?"
"I am."
I affirmed looking into beautiful gray sea.
"Also, you should assess some of your employees' loyalty. I found them to be easily tamable."
Landon beamed at me.
"Bad for business, but certainly admirable for my personal life. Who?"
"Are you going to fire them?"
I teased. The man was probably one of the most remarkable bosses I'd ever seen.
"You mean double their pay grade?"
I chuckled. I was full of admiration in front of such a kind heart and fine specimen of a man.
"In that case; your beloved Calvin."
I said quoting him
"And Smiley-Zee."
His lips twitched with amusement.
"Smiley-Zee?"
He cocked his head and raised an amused eyebrow.
I loved the sight of him like that. He looked care-free and so young.
"He smiles a lot and I find it to be extremely contagious."
"Right there with you."
He acquiesced.
"He'll get a reason to double that amount of contagion."