My Safe Place

by Steph Poe

  She struts over to my desk confidently. "Hello, Lake. I'm Anna Foster." She extends her hand out to me when I stand up from my chair. To say I was intimidated by the woman would be the understatement of the year. Even when I look my best, I never look as perfectly put together as this woman.

  I straighten my shoulders and try to appear more confident than I feel. I return her firm handshake. "Nice to meet you, Anna. Thank you so much for choosing my business to feature in your magazine. I'm truly honored."

  "You're welcome, although it was Tom who chose your business. We've heard so many great things from many of your clients, including Mayor Westin and his wife. They only had wonderful things to say about you."

  "Well, I'm flattered, so thank you again. Shall I give you a tour of the office?" She nods in agreement and I lead her around the office, making sure to introduce her to Ashton since she's already met Brynna. We end up in the consultation room.

  "Please excuse the mess. We're in the middle of a remodel. I'm having some new furniture made, one thing being a table to replace this one." I gesture to the worn table in front of us.

  "The business seems to be doing well. Tell me how you started Lake Maxwell Events." We both sit down and Anna pulls out a recording device and lays it on the table in front of her.

  I tell her how I've loved planning events starting from a young age. I described working for another event planner at the beginning of my career, and how I decided to open my own business after gaining the knowledge and experience I needed.

  "You don't have a very big staff. How do you manage to pull off big events, like the veteran's ball that had 300 guests?" she inquires.

  "Actually, it was 350 guests. It was definitely one of the bigger events of my career. My staff and I handle the creating, marketing, budgeting, and administrative duties. We hire other companies for catering, security, and entertainment. There's a lot of work that goes into preparing for each event. The better prepared we are, the better the event goes for the client."

  Anna asks me a few more questions about the business before getting personal with me, which is not an area I'm too comfortable discussing, especially with someone I just met.

  "So, Lake. I don't see a ring on your finger. Are you single?" She smirks at me.

  My brow furrows in confusion. I'm not sure what this question has to do with my business.

  She chuckles a little. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry. It's just that an attractive woman like you being on the cover of our magazine will draw some attention, and inquiring minds always want to know." Her head cocks to one side and she flicks one wrist with her palm up.

  "I am single. Running my own business doesn't leave a ton of time for a personal life." I shrug my shoulders at her. My mind flashes to Cal and I'm a little sad by the thought that I wanted him to change my single status and now I'm not sure that's going to happen.

  "I understand. I'm single, too. I prefer it that way, actually. It's more fun." She winks at me.

  Eager to change the subject, I stand up from my chair. "Well, if you don't have any more questions, I do have another appointment." I look down at my watch. "Would you like to join me? It's a cake tasting appointment with one of my brides."

  She stands up and grabs her recorder, pressing the stop button. "Oh, I don't want to intrude. I think I have all of the information I need. I can call you if I think of anything else."

  "That sounds good. It was great to meet you, Anna." I reach my hand out to her and she takes it.

  "You too, Lake. I'll call you to set up a time for the photo shoot for the cover. I thought we could do it here, maybe? To really represent you in your work space."

  I look around a little unsure because of the mess right now from the renovations. "That should be fine. The painting and flooring should be done soon. I just need to call Cal and find out when the new furniture will be ready."

  She looks at me curiously. "Did you say you need to call Cal about the furniture?"

  My eyebrows furrow in confusion. Where is she going with this? "Yes, Calvin Ryker is my furniture designer."

  She smirks at me and something about it makes me shift uncomfortably.

  "Do you know Cal?" I ask, not sure if I want to know the answer to that.

  She looks smug as she tells me that she and Cal went to college together. I feel like there's more to it than that, but I don't inquire further. I walk her out to the front door.

  "I'll be in touch soon." She turns to look right at me with that overly confident—dare I say, bitchy—expression. "Tell Cal I said hello." She smirks and turns on her five inch heels and walks out the door.

  I turn to walk back to my office, wondering if Cal has slept with that woman.

  Chapter 12

  I spend Thursday evening at home, eating Chinese takeout and watching one of my favorite romantic comedies. Watching the movie only makes me miss Cal.

  The more I think about it, the more I think that it was stupid of me to get so upset about him being friends with my ex. I remember how mad Cal was when I told him what happened to me. I'm sure that he had no idea what his friend was capable of. And he said that it had been ten years since they've seen each other.

  I realize that I'm so afraid of getting hurt again that I automatically jump to the worst conclusions.

  I don't sleep well that night. At one point, I'm dreaming of Cal but then he turns into Chris, and I relive the horror again. At five a.m. I finally give up trying to sleep and decide to go for a run. I put on some sweats and my Adidas and head out the door.

  Running on these country roads in the early morning is so quiet and peaceful. The cool morning air helps to clear my mind and I let go of some of the anxiety I'm harboring. I worry too much. Ashton is always telling me to just relax, that life is meant to be enjoyed and I can't enjoy it if I'm worrying and trying to be in control all of the time.

  I haven't told her about Cal knowing Chris. When she asked about the flowers I was getting at the office, I just brushed it off as nothing, saying that Cal probably has a discount card at Sadie's floral shop. I was still busy processing the information in my head and not ready to share it with my friend until I figure things out. The truth is I can't figure it out until I let Cal explain his friendship with Chris.

  I run about two miles before I head back home. I jump in the shower and take my time, letting the hot water relax the tension still in my muscles, despite the exercise. I wash my hair with my favorite coconut-scented shampoo. I towel my body off and apply lotion to my legs and arms. I want to smell good and look good to meet with Cal. I need to feel confident and prepared to hear him out, especially if I don't like what he has to say. In that case I will need to hold my head up and walk away from him. And to do that, I will need the Jimmy Choos.

  I take a little extra time on my makeup but I keep my hair simple, leaving it wavy and flowing loosely down my back. I head into my small walk-in closet and choose one of my favorite navy blue shift dresses and top it with a short, tan leather jacket. Then I step into my favorite, most expensive pair of shoes. I don't normally spend so much money on shoes, but when I saw these nude, lace, pointy-toe pumps, I had to have them. When I wear them, I immediately feel more confident. Maybe it's the four-inch heel that makes me feel taller and more powerful. They are exactly what I need today.

  Taking one last look at myself in my full length mirror, I decide that I'll do. Tubbs is right at my feet and looking up at me with doggy approval in his eyes and sloppy, tongue wagging grin. I give him one last pet and head into the kitchen to grab my purse before heading out to the garage to get in my car.

  I start the Audi and get my Spotify app going. I have to find some music that is appropriate for my current situation. The right music sets the tone for the day. I search through my playlists until I find it, the song I need to bolster my confidence inside to match my outside appearance. I sing along to M.I.A.'s "Bad Girls" and dance in my seat feeling like a bad ass chick, ready to live fast and die young. Oh, and face the man w
ho could potentially ruin my day, and quite possibly my life.

  *****

  I pull up to the coffee shop at half past seven, thinking I'll be really early and have time to prepare to face him and whatever he has to say. He may tell me that he was never close with Chris. That it was just a photo with a bunch of guys from his fraternity. Or maybe he'll tell me they were best friends who've lost touch over the years.

  Before I can beat myself up about it by running through the many possible different scenarios, I decide to go in and order my coffee. I open the door and my eyes fall to a small table in the corner near the door. Cal is already there with two cups of coffee sitting on the table in front of him. He looks nervous today, unlike his normal, confident self. He stands up when he sees me.

  "Wow, you look stunning." He reaches for me and kisses my cheek gently and then pulls out a chair for me to sit.

  I'm quiet at first, waiting for him to start. I take in his body. He's sitting forward in the chair, leaning on the table. His foot is tapping on the floor and he's fidgeting in his seat.

  "I got you a caramel macchiato. I hope that's okay." He's nervous about possibly choosing the wrong drink for me. It's cute. He's trying real hard to please me. My lips turn up slightly and I immediately feel more relaxed. Before he even gives me an explanation, I know that whatever he says today will not change the way I feel about him. I've fallen for him. He looks at me with puppy dog eyes and I almost reach across and pull him into me for a kiss.

  "I usually get a latte, but this is okay." I shrug my shoulders. Actually, the caramel macchiato is my favorite drink, but I don't want him to get off that easy.

  "You left the other night before I could explain. I've been going crazy not being able to talk to you." He reaches across the table and covers my hand with his and strokes the back of it with his thumb. I've missed his touch so much. "I really missed you."

  "I'm sorry. I should have let you explain, but I was just so shocked." I look down at our hands.

  Cal pulls his hand away and takes a sip of his coffee before he speaks. "I was friends with Chris in college. We met through another friend, Kevin. It wasn't a close friendship. We just partied together and played football with the other guys on the weekends." He takes another sip of his coffee.

  I have my elbows on the table and bring one hand up to rest my chin on it while I focus my eyes on Cal and listen intently.

  "We didn't stay in touch after college. To be honest, he kind of changed during senior year. He just started becoming a jerk. He wasn't someone that I wanted to be around anymore, so we went our separate ways."

  I cross both of my hands in my elbows and rest them on the table. "Why do you have that picture in your office?" I know it's a ridiculous question. There are other guys in the picture who are his friends, not just the scumbag.

  "It's just a picture from my college years. It didn't mean anything besides nostalgia. I took it down." He reaches over to place his hand on my arm. "I'm sorry that he hurt you. There's no excuse for his actions. I hate that I ever called that bastard a friend."

  I'm watching his hand as it caresses my arm, making me shiver. I bring my eyes to his. "It's not your fault, Cal. I overreacted. You can't help that you were friends with him." He still looks worried and I can't take it anymore. I lean over the table and grab his chin with my hand and pull his lips to mine. The moment our lips touch, I feel relief. I needed this so badly. Our connection makes my knees weak every single time we kiss.

  He ends the kiss, too soon for either of us, but we are in a public place. I don't think the other patrons would appreciate it if Cal threw me over the table and had his way with me.

  "Are you okay?" He still has a concerned look on his face, aside from the heat in his eyes. His hand is wrapped around the back of my head, caressing my hair.

  "I'm alright, Cal, but it's gonna take time for me. I fully trusted Chris with everything. I thought he loved me and wouldn't hurt me." My eyes fall to the table. "I trust you Cal, but I still have this fear of being hurt again. I'm sorry."

  "Look at me, baby." I look up with my saddened eyes. "I will never hurt you. If we ever try anything wild in the bedroom, we will do it only if you're completely comfortable." His eyes fill with that look of heat and desire again. "And believe me baby, I want to have you in every way possible. I've never wanted anything more. But only if you are comfortable."

  My heart fills with desire for this man. Something about the way he calls me baby and talks about having me in every way possible turns me on so much. It makes me feel naughty and I love it.

  Chapter 13

  "Let's go next door. I have a surprise for you." He pulls us to our feet and grabs our coffee cups to go. We walk next door to his studio. He unlocks the front door before turning back, raising his eyebrows and giving me an excited grin. He pulls my hand and guides me inside. We walk to the back of the showroom to a shop area.

  It smells of freshly cut wood and sawdust. The floors are concrete and the ceiling is very high with exposed metal beams. I look around and see about every possible type of saw and other tools that I have no idea what they are or what they do. There's a wall with a large pegboard and several hand tools hanging from it. It's all very organized. Cal obviously likes a neat work area.

  "Where are all your employees today?" The shop is empty and no one was in the showroom either.

  "We're closed on Fridays. I'm all about a four day workweek. Leaves more time for other important things." He winks at me and then puts his arms around my waist and pulls my body tight against his. He tilts his head down and slowly guides my lips to his. We kiss, softly and sweetly. That electric feel courses through my veins.

  I suddenly pull away from his kiss, leaning my head back and staring at him with my brows furrowed. "I thought you had a surprise for me?"

  He laughs at me. "A little impatient, are we?"

  "I don't like to wait, sorry. If you tell me you have a surprise, I want to see it." I cross my hands over my chest like a defiant child but I have a teasing smile on my face.

  He walks over to a blue tarp and pulls it off of a table. It's my table. The one he made for me. I recognize the design in the middle that he sketched the day we met. The wood is dark and rich. The inlay of the design has this crazy wood that looks like two woods mixed together, one light and one dark. It's beautiful.

  "Wow. Cal, this is stunning." I walk up to it and run my hands over the top.

  "I still need to stain it. I just finished sanding it last night." He's standing there with his hands on his hips looking proudly at his work. His chest is puffed out in his gray, fitted thermal shirt. He looks so strong and manly. There is something sexy about a man making things with his hands.

  I walk around the table, inspecting every inch. I look up at him standing on the other side of the table. He brings his eyes up from admiring the table to admire me and it gives me an idea. I run my finger over the center where the inlay is. "It's really great, Cal. I'm just concerned about one thing."

  He furrows his brow and frowns. "What is it?"

  I keep my eyes downcast, studying the table and then lean over pushing my cleavage together before I turn my blue eyes up to him. "Well, are you sure that it's strong enough? I mean, I may need to put a lot of heavy things on top of it. I want to make sure it can handle it." I take my finger that was feeling the table and put it on my chest, drawing the neck of my dress down slightly to expose my cleavage more. It takes him about two seconds to walk around the table and pull me in his arms.

  He's breathing hard and so am I. "Do you need me to prove how strong this table is, baby?"

  "Yes, please," I moan my response. Cal puts both of his hands on my ass and pulls me up so I'm sitting on the edge of the table. He parts my legs so he's standing in between my thighs. He takes my mouth again and our tongues intertwine passionately. I could come just from kissing this man. He grabs my hair in his hand firmly and tilts my head back as he continues his assault on my lips.

  His
mouth trails down my neck as his hands stroke my thighs and slowly work my dress up to my waist. He brings his mouth up to my ear and whispers, "This is all for you, baby." Then his head travels down my body to his destination. His fingers feel me on the outside of my panties, running up and down my seam. I moan and wiggle from his touch.

  He grabs my panties and slides them down my legs, over my shoes and throws them on the floor. He kisses my ankle and says, "These shoes are so fucking sexy. We'll keep them on." He runs his lips and tongue from my ankle to my inner thigh. I'm shuddering and writhing, waiting in anticipation for his mouth to be on me, but he teases me and moves to my other leg.

  "Oh, Cal. Please," I cry out.

  "What baby? Tell me what you want."

  "Your mouth, on me," I demand huskily.

  It works because he immediately has his mouth on my center. He strokes me lightly with his tongue before shoving two fingers inside and thrusting them in a wonderful rhythm. I grab his head to keep him against me as I absorb all the pleasure he's giving me. My insides are tightening and I know I'm close. I grab his hair and pull as he increases his tongue motions and sucks on my most sensitive parts. One more thrust of his fingers and I'm done for. My orgasm rolls through me as I let go of his hair and my arms fall limply on my sides against the table.

  Cal climbs onto the table and pulls me into his side. He holds me while my breathing starts to return to normal. He whispers into my ear, "So do you think this table is strong enough?"

  I can't help but laugh. "Yes, I think it will do." I'm smiling big and feeling so content. "Wait, what about you?" I ask, now concerned that he gave me an earth shattering orgasm but he got nothing in return.

  "I'm good, baby. This was for you." He kisses my cheek tenderly and squeezes me tighter against him. I don't want to leave but I have to get to the office. We have a busy weekend with two weddings on Saturday and a birthday party on Sunday. I need to meet with Ashton to finalize everything.