“Ugh! This is why we can’t work together.” I began to pack my paperwork back into my tote.
“We’re not done talking.”
“You may not be, but I am. I’m not a jealous girl and yet here I am screaming with you over Devon.” My hands worked fast, shoving every piece of paper that was on my desk into my bag.
“I don’t want her. How many times do I need to tell you this?” He ran his hand over his face.
“I have to go.” I secured my tote strap higher on my shoulder and marched out of the office. Without a single goodbye to anyone, I walked onto the elevator. I was furious. Tears of rage swam in my eyes as I made my way out of the building.
“Ms. Wolf!” Thomas called after me when I left CHR Esquire and avoided making eye contact. I didn’t want to deal with anything that had to do with Coleman Rhodes. “Ms. Wolf, please let me take you to your destination.” I ignored him and walked faster down the city block. “Ms. Wolf, if I don’t take you to your destination, it will be my job on the line!”
“Seriously!” I turned back towards Thomas. It wasn’t his fault his boss was an ass. “Fine you can take me home, but that’s it!”
When I slammed the door to the town car outside my house, I was livid. Scratch that—I was a raging bitch looking to wreak havoc. Since I wasn’t able to walk home to clear my mind, I’d had to settle for the back seat of a car. Five minutes—that was all it took to put me in this mood. Of course, I couldn’t have a moment to myself to walk a few city blocks in broad daylight.
But it’s for your protection.
“Fuck!” I shouted, walking up the stairs to the front door. Jamming my key into the lock, I opened the door and quickly slammed that one too. My mood was sour, and there was only one way I knew how to fix it. Ice cream.
I tossed my tote on the couch, kicked off my heels and found my way to the kitchen. Pulling out three pints from the freezer—yes, three!—I popped each lid and grabbed a spoon from the drawer. Sampling each flavor of Talenti’s best, I let the creamy, sugary treat calm me.
“Oh shit.” A sleepy Lila peered out of her bedroom and into the kitchen, her eyelids heavy. She yawned, stretching her limbs before she spoke. “What did Cole do, Kat? Three pints of ice cream is a new record for you. Was the great sex too much for you?” She laughed.
It was true. Usually, all I needed was one to make me feel better, or two was when I was extremely sad. Three had never happened until that stupid I’m–so–tall–and–pretty–look–at–my–beautiful–hair, Devon showed up to his office.
“He’s an ass.”
Lila added a Keurig cup to our coffee machine. While waiting for it to brew she turned back towards me, her arms resting on the countertop.
“His ex showed up at his office, and they were flirting.” Even I had to admit after I said it out loud that I sounded like a teenager.
“And that made you want to eat three pints of ice cream?”
“No. We argued, and I asked if he slept with Devon when we … when I was … you know, cracked out on pills.”
“And?”
“They didn’t. But she clearly wants him. I got pissed and left the office.” Lila curled her lips up, pouting. “Don’t look at me like that. I know that it sounds crazy, but I’m mad.”
“People in glass—”
“Houses shouldn’t throw stones. I know, but I’m jealous. I don’t want anyone else to be with him. And yes, I spent the last five days playing house with him, but I don’t know what we are. Are we friends? Fuck buddies? Am I a pity fuck for him? Fuck poor Katherine because she just got out of rehab and we don’t want her to relapse.”
“Katherine! You know you mean the world to him. You both need to sit and have a serious conversation.”
Ding-dong.
“Speak of the devil,” I stated when I heard the doorbell ring. I shoveled in another spoonful of the mint chocolate chip.
“Did you think you could storm out and he wouldn’t follow?”
“No…”
Ding-dong.
Ding-dong.
“Coming!” she shouted. Lila walked out of the kitchen and towards the front door. I stayed put. If he wanted to talk, he would have to come to me. Childish, I know. “Ooooh, you’re in trouble,” I heard Lila joke.
“Can I come in?” His tone was serious.
“Yep, she’s in the kitchen. I’ll give you two some privacy.” Lila grabbed her coffee and walked down our long hallway and into her bathroom. Within seconds of the bathroom door closing, she had her radio blasting.
“Still mad?” Cole asked as he leaned his weight against the pantry that connected the kitchen to the living room.
“A little,” I pouted.
“Can I have a spoon?” He looked at my ice cream, and a smirk appeared on his face. “Or maybe we can take it to your room, and I can lick it off your body.”
“Not happening, buddy. You’re in the doghouse. You don’t get a spoon or me.”
“I can live with no spoon, but without you …” He prowled towards the island where I was sitting and stuck out his hands. “Take me to your bedroom.”
“Cole, I told you. No sex. I’m pissed.”
“I didn’t say I wanted to have sex. Though make-up sex would be nice.” He winked at me. “I’ve never been in your room. We need to talk, and I’d like to do it there. And then maybe we can have make-up sex. Or angry sex works for me too.”
“You’re an ass.” I covered my pints and put them back in the freezer. I didn’t wait for Cole—I marched down the hallway, heading straight into my bedroom. It was the size of his closet, but I thought it was cute. I sat on the bed and waited for him to enter.
Cole closed the door behind him and joined me on the foot of the bed. The anger and hatred I felt vanished the second his hand grasped my cheek.
“I’m sorry.” He waited a few seconds before he continued. “I’m not good with relationships, Katherine. The only one I ever had was with Devon, and it wasn’t anything like this—like us.”
I swallowed the golf ball-sized lump that was lodged in my throat and looked up at him. “I’m going to fuck up at times, and I know we’ll argue, but I can’t stop her from showing up. Our families are business partners. Our mothers run charity events together, but I want nothing to do with her.”
“I know…”
“Devon is not a part of my life. She is an acquaintance. She’s here because my sister is having a fashion show this weekend. She came by the office to see if I was going. That’s it.”
“You don’t have to explain yourself to me.” I shrugged.
“But I do. You thought I was flirting when I wasn’t. I need you to know that I only want you in my bed. Or this bed,” he joked.
“It’s fine, seriously.” I sighed. “I acted like a child. I’m sorry.”
Rubbing my cheek, he leaned forward and laid his lips softly on mine. “I have something else to ask you,” he murmured against my mouth. “My mother is bugging me to go to this fashion show, and I’d like for you to come with me.”
“Okay…”
“As my girlfriend.”
The butterflies in my stomach fluttered. “I have one condition.”
“Shoot.”
“Come with me to therapy.” His eyebrows furrowed. “We have bigger issues than most couples. And if we are going to make this … relationship work, I think we need therapy. There is too much water under the bridge.”
His eyebrows relaxed, and his eyes grew bright. His lips met mine, and smiling between each kiss, he agreed. “I’ll do whatever you want me to do, Kat.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck and deepened our kiss. Any anger, frustration, or doubts I had were gone as I kissed my boyfriend for the first time.
29
Katherine
Saturday Night
Cole left his bedroom to wait in the kitchen, so I could finish getting ready. It was the first time I was able to dig through all the beautiful gowns he had purchased for me. I pull
ed out a dusty rose dress. The neckline was low but elegant; the perfect fitting dress to meet your boyfriend’s mother for the first time.
Once the dress was on, I felt like it was made for me. The dress hugged my curves, and the bead work around the torso made it shine. I had spent hours on my makeup and hair. My lips were red, and my curls fell to my left side as the right was pinned back a little. I took one last turn in the mirror, exhaling to calm my nerves about meeting Cole’s family before joining him in the kitchen.
My satin Jimmy Choo heels clicked against the marble floor. Cole looked stunning in his Dior custom-made suit with a crisp white shirt and perfect bow tie. He sipped his amber malt scotch, his eyes devouring me. He put his glass in the sink and sauntered towards me, his eyes never leaving my body. His fingertips traced the outline of my jaw before lifting my chin.
“You’re not to leave my sight tonight.” He lowered his lips to mine and placed a soft kiss against my glossed lips. “You look breathtakingly beautiful. I want you by my side so I can show everyone how fucking sexy my girlfriend is.”
His words caused goose bumps to rise on my skin. Cole held my chin, pushing it to the side, exposing my neck. His tantalizing lips continued their trail up and down my neck, stopping at my collarbone. His teeth nipped my flesh, and I whimpered. “Tonight, when we get back, I’m going to take you in this dress.”
His lips returned to mine, his tongue stroking my lips until I opened for him. He tasted of whiskey and mint. Melting under his kisses, I wrapped my arms around his neck deepening our kiss. My body pressed to his, pushing my bottom half against his hard cock. I would have to reapply my lipstick, but I didn’t care.
Cole pulled away, as breathless as I was. “We need to leave now if we ever plan on going. If I stay here with you any longer, I might have to toss you over my shoulder and spend the rest of the night buried between your thighs.”
That didn’t seem like a bad idea. I smirked, wiping the excess lipstick from his lips. “Give me two-seconds to reapply my lipstick, and we’ll head out. You can bury yourself in me the second we get back.”
Cole’s hand on the small of my back guided me out of his building and towards the waiting limo. Instead of going to the garage floor, we strolled through the lobby and exited through the front of the building. His hand wrapped around my hip, pulling me closer. “Just smile,” he whispered in my ear as the flashes started to flicker around us. I reached for his hand and kept my head low. The few short steps to the limo felt like miles. My body began to tremble with fear.
“I’ve got you.”
Raul held the door, and Cole grasped my hand as I slid my way in. Once the door closed behind us, he was at my side, his hand brushing over my face.
“I’m sorry.” His lips met mine. “I didn’t know they would be here. It wasn’t until I saw them camped outside that I realized.” His hands cupped my face. “Katherine?”
“I’m okay. Just taken by surprise, that’s all.” I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
“Someone must have tipped them off that I was attending. At the event, we’ll have to walk the red carpet. Reporters will shout for you. Just smile and let me do all the talking.”
Cole wasn’t kidding when he said reporters would be at the event. More like paparazzi. As our limo waited for another in front of us to move away, my heart slammed in my chest. I wiped my clammy hands on a napkin, hoping to reduce the moisture. My eyes strayed to the woman who currently walked the red carpet, my nerves instantly replaced by anger.
Fucking Devon.
She wore a satin blue dress that hugged her body to perfection. Her hair was pulled up high in a bun, making her seem even taller, and her makeup was flawless. As much as I despised the bitch, I had to admit she looked spectacular.
My fear was replenished with bravery— I was in Coleman Hunter Rhodes’ arms. I couldn’t be scared. I needed to show him that I could be a part of his life.
The limo rolled up to the red carpet and stopped. When the door flung open, Cole looked back at me and gave me his best panty-dropping smile. I nodded my head and grinned back at him. I was ready. The second he was out of the limo, bright flashes began to light up the sky. He guided me out of the car, his focus only on me as he held me close.
Cole!
Coleman, over here!
Cole, who are you with?
One after another, the flashes blinded me as I ambled beside him down the carpet, my hand glued to his. Three feet from the limo we stopped for pictures.
Rhodes, over here!
Miss, what’s your name?
Cole Rhodes!
Who are you wearing?
Cole’s hand rested on the lower part of my back as we stopped, smiling for the press. Shoulders back and standing tall, I kept my smile bright as I looked into each camera I saw. Cole’s lips brushed my ear.
“You’re a natural.” He kissed my cheek. “They all love you.” I looked up at him and smiled, the swarm of flashing lights blinking around us.
How long have you two been seeing each other?
Is this serious?
Coleman, has she met your family?
He ignored all the shouting and leaned in, kissing my forehead. It only made me smile wider. My hand locked with his and we strolled down the red carpet, stopping a few more times for pictures. Holding me close, he never left my side.
Once we were inside, we were escorted to our seats. Everything was white: the walls, chairs, and drapes, even the runway—all white. Cole scooted down the front row until his arms were wrapped around a female. Her arms circled around his neck. When Cole stepped back, she beamed at me.
“Mom, this is Katherine.” He moved to the side to introduce me. “Katherine, this is my mother, Mary Ann.”
She leaned forward to kiss my cheek, her hand grasping mine. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Her voice was sweet, and her eyes were kind as she smiled at me.
“The pleasure is all mine.”
The lighting dimmed, and the beam of the spotlight shone where the models would be entering. It was our queue that the show was about to start. Mary Ann pulled away from me as Reagan popped her head up and waved. I beamed a smile back at her for a split second until I realized Devon was standing next to her.
Her nose up in the air, Devon took her seat, waiting for the show to begin. I wanted her as far away from us as possible—away from Cole.
Cole is here with you. He loves you. Stop acting so jealous.
The show commenced, and the frail, lanky models sashayed down the runway. The designer was showing his new fall collection for the following year. The clothes were modern and trendy, in bright earth tones. The backdrop lighting rotated from shades of red, orange and yellow, depending on what each model wore. Each model sashayed to the end of the raised runway and paused for a split second before walking back. There was no talking during the show, but I couldn’t avert the feeling in the pit of my stomach that there were eyes all over me. Once all the models took their final stroll down the catwalk together, the audience stood, clapping as the designer came from backstage to take a bow.
The show finished, and we found ourselves on our way to the after-party. Cole had told his mother we would meet her there, and led me straight back to where Raul was waiting with the limo.
The reception venue was breathtaking, like nothing I had seen before. It was right on the water, facing the Statue of Liberty. The stone terrace was open and the night air was cool, the moon shimmering over the water. I had gone to events with Lila and Caleb, but I had never attended one of this caliber. The ceiling was high as trapeze dancers performed above our heads. Cocktail bars surrounded the room and hundreds of people swarmed the area, conversing with one another. There were celebrities, professional athletes, and local socialites. I was out of my comfort zone, and I couldn’t stop myself from staring at them.
Cole led me through the crowd, greeting people as he passed. The servers carried trays loaded with champagne flutes and a variety of cocktails
. I took one to hold since I didn’t know where to put my free hand. My weakness were pills, I had no desire to drink it. My eyes scanned the room, looking for a familiar face, but the only other person I seemed to know was Devon. Her blue eyes surveyed me from top to bottom, and her pink lips pouted as she evaluated me. Though Cole held me close to his side, I felt small. I had never been so out of my element before and she knew it.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Devon marching towards us, her lanky body and long legs making it seem as if she were walking the runway. She had hatred in her eyes. I stood there, waiting to be ambushed by the devilish ex.
Fucking great.
“Oh Cole, you look stunning, as always.” She placed her hand on his shoulder, her heels putting her at eye level as she turned her face side to side to kiss both his cheeks. Her hand lingered on his shoulder as she remained too close, smiling brightly, ignoring the person standing beside him.
Me.
I could be the bigger person again, and walk away. I could, even though every part of me wanted to kick that giraffe.
He cleared his throat and stepped away from her. “Devon, I assume you remember Katherine.”
“Oh, yes.” She placed her hand over her heart. “It’s so nice to see you again, sweetie. I almost didn’t recognize you. You look stunning.” Her lips curled, and her eyebrows rose on her flawless face. “Cole’s wealth must be treating you really—”
Cole released my hold and gripped her elbow. “Enough! Come with me. Now,” he ordered, yanking her away.
Cole was defending me. I knew Devon well enough to know that an insult cloaked as a backhanded compliment was about to spew from her mouth. Pleased that he had taken care of the problem, I stood alone, watching as he escorted her to the far side of the room. His face was mere inches from hers, and she laughed at what he was saying.
It gutted me to see them that way. She belonged in his world. I was an imposter. My hand that held the champagne began to itch, and I wanted to take a sip of the liquid poison to feed my nerves. My hands trembled, holding the champagne flute as I turned away and shut my eyes.
Redemption (Savior Seires Book 2) Page 18