by Steph Poe
The more I talk to this woman, the less I like her. I'm not as intimidated by her now that I can see the artificial nature of her comments. I decide to ignore it, since I know I don't have to deal with her for much longer. The article will be finished and hopefully I'll never have to spend time with her again.
"Oh, thanks. I think it all really came together nicely. Cal built some amazing pieces." I look past her to the conference room across the hall with a little smirk on my face. Every time I look at that table, I will imagine myself on top of it, spread out like a Thanksgiving feast for Cal.
When I turn to look at her again, she's glaring at me like I just ruined her Gucci bag. I refuse to let this woman who thinks she's all that get to me. I stand taller and smile back at her as innocently as I can. She smirks back at me.
"Ah, yes that's right. Calvin Ryker was making the furniture for you. I almost completely forgot." Her tone makes it quite obvious that she did not forget that detail.
I straighten my back and stare down at her, thankful for my heels today because I feel more confident having a good two inches on her.
"Yes, and you said you knew him in college, right? Oh, shoot. I completely forgot to tell him you said hello. Sorry, Anna." I usually don't act this way, but her arrogance is really aggravating me.
She rolls her neck to one side and looks away from me for a brief second before dragging her eyes from my shoes up my body to my eyes again, studying me.
"You're sleeping with him, aren't you?" So much for the fake niceties.
I shift my weight from my right foot to my left and cross my arms. This just went from professional to personal and I'm not okay with it. This is my space and this woman is not going to get what she wants from me.
"I don't think that's any of your business." I refuse to back away from her intense, scrutinizing stare, despite the feeling inside telling me to get away from this fake bitch.
"Well, that was a yes if I ever heard one." She rolls her eyes at me. "I hope you know who you're dealing with. Let's just say he wasn't the nicest guy in college." She cocks her head to the side and studies me, waiting for my reaction.
"I know all about who he was back then. I also know who he is now. He's a really great man." I tug at the hem of my shirt and smooth it down over my skirt.
She chuckles, crossing her arms over her small, perky chest. "You're not just fucking him, you're in love with him." She shakes her head and scoffs.
"Again, I really don't think any of this is your concern. Look, I don't know what happened between the two of you, if he rejected you, or—."
"Oh, honey. Do I look like someone who gets rejected?" She cuts me off with that bitchy remark. Did we just teleport back to high school?
This time, I scoff at her. Could she be any more full of herself? I decide that this conversation needs to end now.
"Look, Anna. I'm really sorry that this 'interview' took a wrong turn. Please let me show you out." I walk past her to the door and I can feel her eyes on my back giving me another death stare. I stop when I'm at the door but don't turn back around. I wait to hear her heels turn and then I walk out towards the front door.
Carissa and Griffin are sitting on the couch, both of them looking down at their phones, obviously passing the time waiting for Anna. I walk directly over to them. Carissa looks up and sets her phone down quickly.
"It was nice to meet you, Carissa." I smile at her and offer my hand again. She smiles back at me and I feel sorry that this seemingly sweet woman has to work for such a cocky bitch.
I turn and shake Griffin's hand too.
"Your pics are gonna be awesome, Lake." I thank him and then I turn around to Anna who is standing a few feet behind me.
She gives me a huge, fake smile and then steps towards me, grabs my shoulders and proceeds to do the fake air kiss thing again. My body is rigid, despising her hands on me.
"Thank you so much for your time, Lake. Everyone is going to love reading all about you." The tone of her voice is wrong as she tries to sound friendly, but I can detect the bitterness, and maybe a bit of jealousy?
The three of them walk to the door and Carissa and Griffin walk out, but Anna stops and turns to me again with one hand on the door.
"Oh, and good luck with Cal. I hope he doesn't break your heart." She winks at me and walks out the door.
I stare at the closed door, feeling like I want to scream. I've never really had an interaction like that before. I've always been good at avoiding drama with other women, especially over a man.
This reminds me again of 'Mean Girls' where all the girls in school start acting like wild animals and angrily attack each other. I always thought that was a huge exaggeration, but today, I totally get it because I would love to rip all that shiny black hair out of her bitchy head.
Chapter 24
Cal and I are sitting on the floor in front of his coffee table eating Chinese food and watching television when I decide to bring up the Anna subject.
"Yesterday I had that photo shoot for Indy Magazine," I say, as I struggle with my chopsticks, trying to pick up a small piece of chicken.
"That's right. How did it go?" Cal uses his fork to get a bite of his Mongolian beef.
"It was fine. A little awkward. I'm not exactly someone who likes to be in front of the camera." I finally get the chicken in between the chopsticks and bring it to my mouth. I moan in appreciation of the savory flavor.
"Well, I'm sure you looked great. You always do." He leans over and kisses me lightly on the cheek.
"I had to answer some follow up questions with the assistant editor." I glance over at him to see if he reacts at all. He just nods his head and takes another bite. I guess it's possible that he doesn't know Anna is the assistant editor. I don't remember mentioning it to him that first time she interviewed me.
"She said she knew you in college."
"Oh, really? What's her name?" He looks at me quizzically.
"Anna Foster. Long, black hair. Extremely attractive and full of herself." I scowl and stab at a piece of broccoli with the chopsticks.
Cal chuckles. "So I'm guessing you aren't too fond of her?"
I shrug my shoulders. "Not particularly. How do you know her?" I ask the question with a little trepidation.
He puts his arm around me and pulls me into his side. He must realize that when our bodies are touching, everything is right in the world and it's hard to be upset about anything.
"I didn't sleep with her, if that's what you're wondering." I breathe a little sigh of relief. I look up at him, waiting for more information.
"She was interested in me, but I wasn't into her, and she got pissed off. She slept with some of the other guys at the frat house trying to make me jealous. She must've finally given up once she realized I didn't care." He moves his arm from my shoulder and picks up his food container.
Sounds like a simple explanation. I guess maybe it's my insecurities making me wonder why he would turn her down, but be attracted to me. I definitely don't look like a Victoria's Secret model and she could totally rival them. Maybe she was a bitch back then, too. Maybe he thought she was hot, but didn't like her personality. I decide to not be jealous of her because, obviously, I've got what she never had. Okay, rant over. Bitch forgotten. Moving on.
"My mom is coming in to town next week. I pick her up from the airport Sunday evening," Cal states.
"That's great. Do you have anything planned while she's here?" I put my food down on the coffee table, pick up my glass of red wine and take a sip.
"Actually, I was hoping the three of us could go to dinner." My wine makes its way down the wrong tube and I cough a little at the intrusion.
"Really? That's a pretty big step, isn't it? Meeting the mom?" I say with a tinge of nervousness in my voice. I mean, I know he loves me, but we've never really discussed the next step for us.
"Well, I want the most important woman in my life to meet the woman I'm in love with." He grabs my glass of wine from me and sets it on the
table. He turns to me and puts his hand on my neck and brings his face close to mine before pressing a soft kiss to my lips. I can taste the slightest bit of Blue Moon beer on his breath and I don't drink beer, but tasting it on his lips is delicious. I know we should talk more about where our relationship is headed, but his lips are way too distracting.
I raise my hand up and run my fingers through his hair before crawling into his lap, bringing my legs around his back and pulling myself into his body. The way it feels to be so close to him is unreal. I feel like I'm in the most comfortable place, warm and protected. As our kiss becomes more heated, my lips roam over his, exploring them. I suck on his upper lip and then his lower before taking it in between my teeth and biting it.
"Ohhh!" he cries out, but it doesn't sound like pleasure. It sounds like pain.
"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to bite so hard! Guess I got a little carried away." I pull back from him, my face flushed, and give him a sheepish grin.
"You just surprised me, that's all. You wanna play rough, baby?" He moves towards me, turns me and leans me back until I'm lying on the floor and he's covering me completely. He uses his knee to spread my legs open before settling himself in between. He slides a hand up my shirt and runs his fingers over my heated skin. His hand moves up to my breast and pulls the lace cup down so he can gain better access to my hardened nipple.
I feel the warmth of his tongue on my neck and it makes me shiver. He licks from the base of my neck all the way up to my earlobe, where he takes it in his mouth and nibbles. I can hear his breath in my ear and the sound is such an aphrodisiac. My whole body begins to shake with want. My low moaning is quickly turning into needy panting. I can feel his hard length rubbing against me through my leggings, and I already feel a buildup of pleasure. I hope to God that he always makes me feel this way.
His hand continues to rub and his fingers take my nipple, tugging it roughly. I cry out in pain, but that pain is quickly replaced with pleasure. Oh, yeah. I like it rough with him. I put both of my hands on his ass and tug him towards me with as much strength as I can so he knows exactly what I'm ready for. But he doesn't give in to me yet. He runs the show and I love every freaking minute of it.
I feel his hand move from my breast down to the waistband of my pants and he slowly caresses from one hip to the other. He grabs the bottom of my shirt, pulling it up and over my head. My leggings follow, but he leaves my bra and panties on. I'm wearing one of my favorite red lace sets just for him.
Cal stares down at my body in approval. "I fucking love you in lace, baby. Did you wear this just for me?" I nod up at him as I bite my bottom lip.
"Rip them." I whisper quietly to him.
"What was that? If you want something from me, you've got to say it loud."
"Rip my panties...off of me...please," I say louder, but still sort of quietly because I'm a little embarrassed at my request. I read a romance novel where the guy ripped his girl's panties off during a passionate scene and I thought it would be fun to see what the big deal is.
"My pleasure, baby." He runs one finger over the top of the lace covering my mound before slipping it inside, hooking his index finger around the crotch and pulls with a rough tug. The sound of the lace ripping is like music to my ears.
"Oh my God!" I cry out. "That was so incredibly hot." Okay, I totally get it now. Thank you, erotic romance novel.
He takes my ripped panties and stuffs them into the pocket of his jeans. I don't know what he plans on doing with dirty ripped panties, but the thought of him maybe saving them...oh, man. So fucking hot.
Cal takes his hand and drags his fingers across the top of my legs. The sensation of his touch travelling up my legs makes me shiver with delight. His touch is magical. It lights me up like nothing else. His fingers roam to the inside of my thighs and I tense in anticipation of him thrusting his fingers inside of me. As he gets closer, he moves his hand across my thigh and around to the back of my leg where I'm especially sensitive making my body buck up, and I cry out while I raise my hips.
He looks into my eyes and I see a devilish grin form on his lips. He slowly moves his head down, and brushes his lips softly over the trail he just travelled with his fingers. My breaths are rapid and my heart is beating out of my chest. I know what's coming next. I feel his warm breath on my skin, flowing over my leg to the inside of my thigh. I feel his tongue dart out and I cry out again in sweet agony until he finally relieves me with a sharp thrust of his tongue inside of me. His tongue is like a magic wand that wants only to trick my body into giving it a shattering orgasm. I shamelessly rock my hips and tighten my thighs around his head. Cal knows exactly what to do to bring me to the edge and when I'm right there, I grab a fistful of his hair and pull as I shove myself against his face riding out every ounce of bliss. I don't think I'll ever get enough of this man with his magical tongue.
*****
When the end of the week rolls around, Ashton, Brynna, and I are busy getting ready for the bridal show that's being held all weekend at the Jackson Hotel. Bridal shows are a great way for us to meet potential clients. Most of our events are weddings, so we attend at least one or two bridal shows every year. It's also a great opportunity to network with other vendors.
Our booth will be set up right next to Sadie's Floral Shop which is great seeing as how she is our go-to florist. We've worked with her for years and she never disappoints. On the other side of us is the "Lovin' From the Oven" Bakery, which boasts the best cakes in central Indiana. They always have samples of their cakes, which makes them a popular stop at the show. We get a lot of traffic just being in between these two businesses.
Oh, and free stuff of course. Everyone loves free stuff. One of the main reasons women go to these types of things is for the free stuff, so we have to have some free swag to entice people to visit our booth.
This year, we decided to have wedding planners, —small, purse sized organizers—that have my business information printed on them and a picture of one of my former bride and grooms. It's one of my favorite wedding pictures. The couple is holding hands and facing each other. The bride is looking down and smiling with her eyes closed as her groom plants a sweet kiss on her forehead. There is something so sweet about a man kissing his woman on her forehead.
The couple was more than happy to let me use their picture. Jordan Kane, who is one of my favorite photographers to use, took their picture and he was more than excited to let me use it. Especially because his name is stamped on the photo to advertise for him.
One of the most important things about the event planning business is contacts and relationships. When you build good relationships with different vendors, they are more likely to refer you to their clients. It's a "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" type of deal.
Saturday morning, Ashton, Brynna, and I arrive early at the Jackson Hotel to set up for the show. I try to decorate a little differently every year to keep it interesting and to keep up with current trends.
This year, I have a long banquet table at the front of the booth draped in charcoal gray linens with a bright white lace table runner that lines the center lengthwise. Two large, antique, silver candelabras, courtesy of my favorite antique mall, stand on each end of the table with white taper candles. The center of the table has a simple, black wooden sign with my logo painted in bright white script.
I had my favorite florist make me a few arrangements for the table. They are mostly green succulents, which have become very popular for weddings recently. They are surrounded by white peonies and lavender roses.
There are two smaller round tables set up in each back corner, both decorated a little differently from the banquet table in front. This year, Ashton and Brynna each decorated a table. I like to show possible clients a variety of "looks" to inspire them and show them what we are capable of.
Ashton's table has a centerpiece consisting of three antique brushed nickel lanterns in varying sizes, containing cream-colored pillar candles. They are surrou
nded by pale pink and yellow roses. Her table linens pair a cream and pale pink striped table runner with a solid gray cloth that sets off the metal of the lanterns perfectly.
Ashton and I have always had very similar tastes, so our tables complement each other well. Brynna on the other hand has a style all her own. That's exactly why I know she will bring something new and exciting to the business when she becomes my assistant and Ashton becomes my business partner.
Brynna's table is not traditional in the slightest, yet somehow it works. The table is covered with a black satin cloth and the runner in the center is a black and white vertical stripe pattern. The centerpiece is a wine bottle dipped in gold paint holding a single calla lily. Two golden pillar candle holders sit on each side of the wine bottle and two black pillar candles sit atop them. Yes, black pillar candles. I'm not sure I've ever had a request for black candles at a wedding before. My favorite part of her table is the small bowl shaped vases holding a short display of my favorite flower. The stargazer lilies add a pop of color to the black, white, and gold table.
Overall, I'm very pleased with our booth. However, I am not particularly looking forward to ten hours of sitting in said booth. I plan on rotating with Ashton and Brynna throughout the day. I enjoy walking around to the other booths and checking out new vendors and talking with other people I've worked with before.
Although I've been busy planning for this event, I'm missing Cal like crazy. We've both been swamped with work this week and haven't spent a ton of time together. Tonight we have plans to go to dinner with Ashton and Matt. I like spending time with our friends, but I'm craving alone time with my man. Meaning, I haven't had him in my bed for three days and it's driving me mad. I will probably rip his clothes off the moment we get home, or maybe even in the car.
"Hey, Matt suggested we go to that new sushi restaurant on the south side tonight." Ashton had walked away a few minutes ago to get us coffee and thankfully she is back and handing me my cup.