I sighed in resignation, because this was the deal buster. “The offer sounds amazing, but I can’t afford living anywhere near his price range and I’ve currently lost my means of transportation and most of my clothing, and . . .”
Before I could go any further, Mr. Prescott held up his hand. “There’s no need for explanation. I was informed of your recent events and we’d like to offer you a company car, a clothing allowance, plus room and board at Dane’s house.”
I was about to object, when he held my hand lightly, with tears in his eyes. “Marissa, you probably know that we recently lost my daughter Gabriella. The whole family has felt the loss, but my son Dane, more so, because he shared a special protective bond with his sister. He’s suffered from nightmares, tried to drink himself to oblivion, and has had a rough time focusing on healing. By staying at his place, you’d be helping us keep an eye on him, to make sure he’s doing okay. You’d be accessible for his crazy work hours and you’d really be doing his mother and me a huge favor just being there for him.”
He laughed for a moment, “That’s where things are a bit unethical. We’d also need you to accompany Dane to any charity events or fund raisers to help represent the company. The job would be more of a 24/7, but you’d be paid for your time and you’d have no expenses to deal with. Although I will warn you, Dane can be a huge pain in the ass, because he’s head strong. I can only imagine someone just as strong being able to match him and keep him in line and you’re the only person I’d trust to handle the job.”
He handed me an envelope, which I opened. I looked up at him quizzically. “That’s the amount I’m willing to offer for your time and services.”
My eyes almost popped out of their sockets. He was offering me $75,000 to start, plus a company car, a wardrobe, and room and board. I felt I should pinch myself just to make sure this was real.
“If you accept, I’d like you to move into my son’s place as soon as possible. We’ll have a car waiting for you to drive at his residence. I have a clothes buyer waiting outside to take your measurements to go ahead and start building your wardrobe. Plus, we can set up movers whenever you have everything packed. So what do you say?”
Wow! I was speechless. The job offer sounded too good to be true. I had no problem with the position or having to fly all over the world. I’d longed to see many of the places the company dealt with. “I’m a little concerned about the idea of living with your son. Where does he live?”
“Dane has a house just down the street from ours. We’d prefer him to come back to our house for a bit, but he won’t hear of it. That’s why we need you to kind of be our eyes and ears. You won’t be working for him; instead you’ll be answering to me directly. So if he gets out of line or his behavior changes, you’ll have mine and my wife’s cell phones to alert us to any problems.”
I was grateful that I didn’t have to answer to Dane, because that’d be a problem if he got out of line with his behavior, because who’d listen to a subordinate. “So this is strictly a job within PI and a sitting position outside of normal work hours deal? I can be assured that this will be strictly platonic?”
Mr. Prescott took a deep breath and relaxed his shoulders. “Yes, Marissa. However, I wouldn’t let Dane know you’re watching him for us. When he seems more like himself, I’ll give you the option to either move down the street to one of the condos we have available for out of town clients, or you can remain at his residence. Your relationship will be strictly working and should remain platonic, but like I tell all my employees, I’m not going encourage or discourage a relationship, should one develop amicably between two people. Had I done that, I wouldn’t have my amazing son in-law, Jackson and my beautiful granddaughter, Nicola, who’s still in the hospital, trying to gain enough weight to come home.”
My mind was processing all of his words a mile a minute, when I felt his hand rest atop mine. “I know this is a lot to take in. Dane is about to be released from the hospital, from an accident he had. He’ll spend a couple weeks with us before returning to work full-time and his place. Why don’t you think it over and let me know your answer in a few days. In the meantime, the personal shopper can go ahead and meet with you, get your measurements and find out your taste in clothes.”
“A few days would be nice, but I don’t have any other offers on the table and I’d prefer to stay in the area.” I looked up at Mr. Prescott, extending my hand. “I’ll take the offer, sir.”
“Wonderful, Marissa! I’ll have the employment contract drawn up for the office. The other portion of our deal is to remain private just between my wife, you, and me. How soon can you move?”
Wow, he didn’t want to waste any time. “I have two more weeks left on my internship and then a week of finals before school is out and my lease is up. I guess I could move at that time.”
He clasped his hands together and smiled. “The timing is perfect. I’ll schedule the movers to get most of your items moved over during the final week. Just keep what you need for day to day and we can send a car to pick you and the remaining items up. As for transportation, we’ll go ahead and have your company car waiting at my son’s residence. In the meantime, we’ll send a driver to take you to and from work and class, to ensure your safety, and before you object, you’re part of our company family now, so know I’d do this for anyone who was having similar issues.”
His words were coming a mile a minute. I watched as Mr. Prescott walked to the door and asked a lady named Ms. Timbre to join us. The next thing I knew Ms. Timbre and me were in his personal bathroom, with her taking my measurements, including my shoe size. She asked me my favorite colors, materials, if I liked solids or prints, whether I liked skirts, dresses, suits, or a combination of things for work. My mind was so jumbled I just answered on impulse.
As I emerged from the bathroom, feeling like I had just been through some kind of intense training session, having had to “suck it in,” “shoulders back,” “arms out,” and every other position known to man kind that can potentially affect the way clothes fit you; I realized what time it was. It was already after 6 p.m. “Oh my goodness, I was supposed to meet my roommate downstairs to pick me up an hour ago.”
“Robin already called one of your roommate’s to let her know you’d be late tonight. We have a car ready to take you home with our driver, Rick. You’ll need to coordinate your schedule with him so he’ll know when to pick you up and drop you off for classes and work. Plus, he’ll arrange for someone to pick up your damaged car and give you the totaled amount.”
“Thank you Mr. Prescott, but that’s really not necessary. I can always catch a ride with my roommates or take the bus.” I really didn’t want him to go to such extremes.
“Nonsense, we take care of our employees here at PI. Just bring back that spirited personality you had when you first started here, help watch my son, and keep having those amazing ideas to increase our revenue and that’ll be thanks enough.”
Mr. Prescott walked me down to the curb, where Rick was already waiting with a town car. I couldn’t believe the good fortune that had come my way and if this were a dream, I didn’t want to wake up.
Rick was nice enough to write down my schedule and gave me a copy of his business card where I could contact him at any time, should I need to go anywhere unexpected. I gave him the keys to my old car and showed him the damage. He took several pictures, with his cell phone. “I’ll talk with your insurance company, but I think I may have someone interested in this model of car.” I didn’t understand what he meant. It was just an old mustang, a hand me down of my brother, Nate, who felt bad for me not having a car.
“Thanks, Rick. But, I really need to talk with my brother first to see if he wants the car back, despite its condition. He signed it over to me, but I would prefer his opinion first.”
“That’s fine, Miss Lawson. Just call the number on the card and let me know what his decision is.”
A couple hours later I placed a call to my brother and explained a
ll that had happened. He was upset over everything and questioned why I hadn’t called him sooner. I guess I should’ve, but didn’t want to bother him while he’s on assignment.
He asked that I forward him a picture of what the car looked like. So I sent it to his email, while we were still talking. He was furious.
“I’m so thankful you dropped that bastard’s ass. I’ve told you time and time again that Tom was no good for you; that he’d end up hurting you. Ethan and I were at a frat party before I left on assignment and the douche bag got pissed and started yelling when I asked Ethan to watch out for you while I was gone.”
“Why are you telling me all this, Nate?” I didn’t know where he was headed.
“Ethan had stated that he loved you and would be happy to stop by. Tom overheard, thinking it was actual love rather than a sibling love, and went ballistic, threatening to punch him. A couple of our frat brothers stood between all of us and he calmed down enough to offer us some drinks in apology, but I heard him mutter, “She’s mine, asshole,” before he walked off.”
“Nate, why the hell didn’t you tell me all this?”
“I’m sorry, Marissa. I just figured he was blowing off steam. I didn’t realize he’d destroy your clothes and the car. Just do whatever with the car and definitely move, as soon as you can. I like the idea of you living with someone who can defend you. I’ve met Dane before at a club and know he has the ability to watch over you. He’s a good man, just has a bit of a wild streak, but I respect him.”
“What club did you meet him in?” I was curious to learn more about my new roommate and co-worker.
“That’s not important. Just get close to him, let him protect you, and for God’s sake stay away from Tom. Change your phone number, don’t forward your mail, and do whatever you can to disappear from his radar. Something about him doesn’t feel right.” Nate’s voice took on an icy tone.
“Change of subject. Are you coming to my graduation? Mom and dad said they didn’t have the funds to come down at the moment.”
I could hear him take in a deep breath and prepared for the worst. “I don’t know. I just started this assignment last week and don’t know how long it’s going to take to figure out what’s going on with their books. I wish I could be certain, but I’ll do everything in my power to get there, even if it’s only for the day.”
I felt a little better knowing that I might have family supporting me on my big day. “How’s Ethan? I thought about going to visit him, but without a car, it’s been kind of hard to do.”
“He’s still in a coma. I can’t believe they suspected him of driving under the influence. I just hope he can wake up soon and tell us what the hell happened, though I know he’s going to need counseling when he finds out the crash killed someone. You may want to pay him a visit, sis. He thinks of you as his little sister and you talking to him might help him wake up.”
“I’ll try to drop by and see him soon. I think of him as an added brother. He’s so sweet and doesn’t deserve to go through all this. I just pray this doesn’t destroy his life.”
“I hope the same. I need to go, but know that I’m happy for you and I’ll do everything in my power to be there for your graduation. Love you, sis!”
“Love you, too, bro!”
When I got off the phone, I sent a text to Rick to let him know to go ahead with the car, before I settled into some studying, and dozing off in the process.
“DID SHE ACCEPT THE offer, dad?” Dane’s eyes were full of hope. It was the most alert and hopeful I’d seen him in days.
Celia was at our son’s bedside and stopped fussing over his hair to hear my answer.
I tried to pause for effect, but I could tell a small smile was playing on my face. I couldn’t help it to look at my son and remember how beat up and barely recognizable he was only a week ago. If it weren’t for that charming angel, Marissa, I could’ve lost my son to alcohol poisoning or him being hit by a car.
I nodded. “Yes, she accepted the offer, but I’ve added a few addendums to our agreement to help ensure you stay sober and have help dealing with your grief son.”
His expression deepened. “What kind of addendums?”
“Instead of her living down the street in one of our condos, I want her to live in your house. You never told us the guilt you felt over losing your sister. It wasn’t your fault that Gabriella wanted to leave the house and talk with you. You’re not responsible for her death. I wished you would’ve talked to your mother and me so we could’ve put this to rest before you tried to kill yourself drinking. We’ll love and miss her always, but we do have a beautiful granddaughter to focus on and help Jackson get some sense to his life now that Gabriella is gone. We all need to stick together as a family.”
Dane shook his head. “I don’t like the idea of her living with me. While I admit I’m drawn to Marissa and don’t know how or why Gabi seemed to lead me to her the night I was drinking, I don’t want her to see me like this.”
“You can argue all you want. The agreement is that she’ll live with you and keep an eye on you for us. If you won’t move in with us, so we can watch you, she’ll do it instead. Plus, I think she’d be a bit safer in your care, as well. She thinks you won’t know why she’s there, but I don’t want her to know that you’re watching out for her, too.”
Celia and Dane eyed me suspiciously. My wife finally asked, “Is there a problem Alexander?”
Dane followed. “Is Marissa okay?”
I sat down and didn’t like having to give bad news. “Apparently your kiss in the elevator helped make up her mind to dump her boyfriend. He hasn’t accepted their break-up easily and destroyed most of her clothing and car. The officer who was on scene the night you had your incident, responded to Marissa’s call and thought I might like to know what had happened.”
“I’ll buy her new clothes, a new car, whatever she wants to repay her for saving my life.” Dane was adamant he’d make things right.
I watched as my wife held onto his hand and stroked his arm. “She means that much to you?”
“She means everything mom. I don’t understand how or why, but the moment my eyes met hers, I felt a pull toward her. Then on the elevator, I couldn’t help myself, I had to kiss her, taste her lips, have that one small chance to see if we had a connection.” His eyes looked over at both of us. “The moment our lips touched, a surge of electricity coursed through my body. I’ve never had that happen before and I knew then that I needed to end it with Tiffany. Marissa has consumed my mind ever since then and I’d like to see where things lead.”
The excitement in his face was heartwarming. “Son, you’re describing the first kiss your mother and I ever shared. I knew the moment I saw her and kissed her that she was my forever.”
“How wonderful! Our son has found love.” Celia was alight with excitement.
“Hold on everyone, let’s get back to the discussion about Marissa. She’ll come to live at your place. You can figure out where you’d like her to stay. Goodness knows you have enough rooms there, so privacy shouldn’t be an issue. I’ll arrange for her things to be moved over in a couple of weeks and she’ll come when her finals and classes are done.”
My son started to protest, most likely at how long it would be before he could get her under his roof. “Before you go spouting about, I’m not done. You’re coming home with your mother and me tomorrow. I want you to meet with Kent two to three times a week and work on honing your whip skills. I think you lost a level of control, when you lost your sister, and need to refocus. When you practiced regularly with the whip, you seemed to be able to vent your frustrations and focus more on being in command of your life.”
“Dad!” I loved watching my son turn several shades of red. “Do we have to talk about this in front of mom?”
“Who do you think suggested we hook you up with Kent? He’s an excellent psychologist and even more amazing with his Master and whip skills. I know he’s taught me a thing of two for your mother.”
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“TMI, guys, TMI!” He paused for a moment, in deep thought. “Do you think Marissa might be into that? She seems too pure.”
I remember the spitfire Marissa started out as and how she seemed to be slowly reemerging from her shell. I hoped she’d be a good match for my son, but it was now between the two of them to see if things developed. I didn’t know how to answer him. “How did she respond to you when you kissed?”
A smile spread quickly across his face. “I was sure I’d get slapped in the face, but as soon as our lips met, she grabbed onto my shirt and pulled me into her. I had to restrain her hands above her head and take charge of the kiss. She seemed to melt in my hands and let me guide our encounter.”
He just described a true submissive. “I would say to tread lightly at first, feel out your personalities, because even the best matches will clash at times. Let some of your dominance start to emerge, but don’t dictate her actions, because she knows you’re not her boss, I am. So she’ll be your equal at work, but for everything else, you’ll have to play it by ear. The most important thing to remember is to gain her trust. Right now she has no clue the person she rescued is our son. You were covered in blood, your face was swollen and unrecognizable . . .” I started losing my train of thought thinking of how close we’d come to losing our son.
Dane shot forward. “Oh, hell! How can I have her living with me and not scare the crap out of her with my room? She’ll think I’m some kind of sadistic bastard.”
His mother spoke up. “Just keep the door locked and remove any items that might be deemed a little intimidating or put some things into storage. Try to arrange the times you go in there to practice your skills, with times she’s busy doing other things.”
“Are there any other conditions to all this? It seems like you are both being very forgiving.” My son knew too well that there’d be more.
I Need You Always Page 4