by kj lewis
“Yes, sir. It is.”
He nods, same smirk.
I loved wearing Jules’ design, but right now I just want to change into something really comfortable. I slide into a pair of Graham’s sweats and one of his t-shirts, grab a blanket, and head outside to enjoy some ocean air. I spot the hammock. Therein lies my destination. I maneuver myself onto it, so as to not go rolling right off the other side. It’s an all cloth, navy blue hammock that curls almost completely around me, imitating a cocoon. Add to it the ocean breeze and the music of the waves and it’s very soothing.
I lay thinking about how much has changed in my life over the last two weeks. Graham collars his girls? That would explain his wanting to have complete control, and these rules he keeps talking about. Why didn’t he just tell me? How do I really feel about that? I mean, I haven’t just unloaded everything about me on him either, it has only been a short time. I know the time frame has no bearing. It may only be two weeks of a calendar year, but in terms of growth, it has been like an invested relationship. I just don’t know if Graham feels the same.
I listen to the waves coming in. My eyelids struggle as the wind does its best to rock me to sleep.
I have the sensation of being lifted into the air. It’s Graham. His scent fills me. It smells like home. I nuzzle into his chest, and he places a soft kiss on my eyelid.
“I was worried. I couldn’t find you anywhere.”
Why worry? He had to have known I was here?
I garble some sort of response that I am sure is as unintelligible to him as it is to me.
“Sleep, sweet girl.” He lowers me into a bed, removes my sweatpants and climbs in behind me. I turn, nestling my face into his chest, push my leg between his and sleep.
My body feels heavy, like I can’t move. The panic of feeling trapped sets in enough to make my eyes flutter open. The morning is just peeking into the windows. Graham is draped over me, almost completely on top of me. I turn us so I am on top, then I give him a few minutes to fall back to sleep before I slide out of bed. My best ninja moves payoff and he stays asleep.
I change into some running clothes and head to the kitchen. Ben is reading the paper, looking up when I enter.
“Good Morning,” I greet him.
“Good Morning, Emme. How far are you running today?”
“Just ten miles.”
I grab a bagel and pop it into the toaster. Who would have thought that the words “just ten miles” would ever leave my mouth in reference to running? There was a time not too long ago that I could barely make a mile.
“Mind if I join you?”
“Not at all. Do you want to run the beach or the property?”
“Seeing as we only have a couple more days to enjoy it, let’s do the beach. I’ll get changed.”
He folds his paper and heads in the direction of their wing. I layer some cream cheese on my bagel and nurse a Diet Coke.
“So the bet is over?” Ben eyes my drink when he re-enters the kitchen.
“Yes. And I won.” I do a little victory dance.
“I had no doubts,” he smiles knowingly and starts to stretch.
Bruiser follows us to the beach and runs the first couple of miles with us, when Ben orders him back to the house. Without hesitation he turns and heads back.
“John Michaels approached me at dinner last night.”
Ben stumbles slightly, but regains his footing. I can tell he’s angry.
“You need to tell Graham. Where was your security?”
“I have yet to see any security other than Smith.”
“It doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Smith should have been made aware as soon as they realized you were in the same restaurant. I’ll have to address this. I don’t know what’s going on.”
“I haven’t told Graham because I know he will try to fix it. I don’t need him fixing things for me.”
“It’s what he’s good at,” Ben says, unapologetically.
“It’s what I’m good at, too. Once you start accepting help, you become dependent on that help. And what happens when they aren’t there? Then you’re really screwed,” I say, more than a little surprised by my honesty with him.
We run another half mile before Ben responds.
“I give you that Graham has a love-‘em-and-leave-‘em track record. His mother and I are not blind to his dating habits. But you’re different, Emme. He’s different with you. Don’t give up on him. On the other side of the coin, I think you could use someone to rely on. Sounds like it’s been a long time since you’ve been able to. You and Graham would be good for each other if you can both just get out of your own stubborn ways and give it a try.”
Well I guess I don’t have to wonder how Ben and Ruth feel.
We run the rest of the way home in silence.
Ben stays outside with Bruiser, and I head up to take a shower.
Graham is dressed in jeans and a white linen shirt and working at my laptop.
“Don’t you have a laptop of your own?”
“You should have security on yours. I was learning more about your program. Richard Raines called. Wants to meet today to discuss the program. He read your email and is interested in hearing more.”
“Today? I don’t know that I’m ready,” I say timidly.
“You are. I’ve read your business plan and looked at your slides. Seriously, you should come work for me.” He stands and walks around the desk. “You can do this.”
I nod and smile with gratitude at his faith in me.
“What time will he be here?”
“Thirty minutes. Get dressed. It’s casual.”
Casual. Smart, but casual. I think about what to wear while I shower. I decide on a flowy sleeveless black top that crisscrosses in the back and a pair of straight, melon-red pants, my father’s watch, my rings, and I’m ready.
We’re meeting at Graham’s house. He pulls to the side. There is a separate entrance that leads to an office with two smaller work spaces and a conference room. Everything is state-of-the-art. One of the smaller work spaces is filled by a young guy. He looks to be close to my age.
“George, please set up Miss James’ laptop with the projector system. We have a meeting in five minutes.”
“I’m Emme,” I introduce myself. Graham has already moved into CEO mode and is walking into his office.
“Nice to meet you. I’m George.” There’s something about him that I like instantly.
“Mr. Manners,” I nod towards Graham, indicating he should have introduced us.
“Emelia,” he says from his office. It’s a warning. I giggle and wink at George who returns my smile.
I enter his office. Wow. I could work here every day. Two walls are solid windows with a view of the ocean. There is a private balcony off the office.
“Don’t discuss me with my staff.”
“I didn’t,” I bristle.
He looks at me like he knows exactly what I did. He probably has a camera out there.
I make my way to the conference room that also has a wall of windows overlooking the ocean.
“How is anyone supposed to work with that view?” I say to George.
“I know right? It can be a challenge some days.” He shows me how to use the video display.
“Hi, sweetheart.”
I turn toward Adam’s familiar voice.
“Adam!” I hug him.
He chuckles and hugs me back.
“Ready?”
“As much as I can be with thirty minutes’ notice.”
George answers a phone and announces that Richard is on his way up. Adam and I meet him at the top of the stairs. Holt is with him, bringing a smile to my face.
“Holt. What a great surprise!” I acknowledge him first, folding him into a hug. He soaks up the attention.
“Richard.” I offer a hand to him. I don’t want him to interpret this as something other than business. He steps past my hand and kisses my cheeks.
We move into the conference r
oom, where George offers refreshments. Graham enters, all business. It occurs to me that I will also be making a formal pitch to Graham.
We take our seats, me at the head of the table, Graham to my right, Adam to his. Holt is on my left, his dad next to him.
“So, you’ve read the business plan?” I direct to Richard.
“I did.”
“Thank you. What about the program drew your interest?”
He watches me for a minute.
“I’m curious why you’re starting your pitch with that question?”
“Because it gives me some foundation on how to best fit my program to you. The program is unique in that the companies don’t mold around this program, this program is molded for each company. So, yes, there is an overarching measure of success for the program and mission statement if you will, but what the actual program achieves will vary based on the business and its owner.” I pause, making sure I choose my words carefully. “You and I are in a different predicament than I will be with the other companies.”
“Why is that?”
“You feel beholden to me. Based on your company’s history, business practices, and acquisitions, I know what kind of business man you are. I have studied you. I’ve studied your reputation, your company’s P&L. I’ve surveyed your teams. I know how engaged your employees are. I know what your customers like most and least about your business, and I know what areas you’re strongest in. I could give you five areas you could make changes in and see immediate improvement, and one arena that you should tap into. What I don’t know is, are you making this decision because you are beholden to me? What I also don’t know, yet, is can we make it work despite your apprehensions about the program?”
“Who says I have apprehensions?”
“You. Your answer to my question tells me you do.”
“But I didn’t answer your question.”
“I know. You deflected and chose to test my response. I presented this to Adam and he knew two ways he wanted the program to impact his team. Baker had three.” I pause. “Business is instinctual. It should not be emotional. You don’t need me to tell you that. If you were making this decision based on your instinct, you would have been able to answer my question.”
Now he’s studying me. He looks to Adam, a smile on his face.
“You weren’t kidding.”
“I warned you,” Adam says.
I allow a moment for the exchange, but I also know I need to move forward. “Let’s talk about the program. We can salvage this. Based on Adam and Jackson’s perspective on you as a business man and the feedback I received from your employees, I feel this program can be a good fit for you. I think you are hesitant because this is the first business decision in a long time, possibly ever, that you know you’re going with your emotions and not your instinct. It’s unsettling.”
“You’re right on all accounts, except the first time. This would be the second. The first is when I chose to marry Jean.”
“And how’s that working for you?” I smile.
His laughter lets me know it was received in the spirit intended.
“So, what is the program you see for my company?”
I go through the slide presentation, hitting all the marks I think he needs to feel like he is making a solid decision.
“Impressive. I must admit.”
“Overall, what is your inclination?” Inside, I’m nervous. This is my first real push. Outside, my shell is hard. I look cool and collected.
“I would like to pilot a group.”
“Okay. I can work with that,” I say coolly. Inside, I’m twerking and giving myself a chest bump.
“Now that I know you are making the decision for your company and not based on our first meeting, I would like to propose a separate agreement with you.”
“Do tell?”
“I would like to enroll Holt in the program.”
Holt looks at me, confused. “But I’m not poor or from the Bronx?”
“That’s just finances and geography. In the end, you are trying to find your way just like they are. I would like for you to work after school and some weekends, if needed. You won’t be assigned to a company. You will be assigned to the program. Working directly for me. There are certain privilege gaps between you and the young men who will be interning, but you will learn from them and they will learn from you. I see a leader in you. I think you will be good at this. What do you say?”
“Do I get paid?”
“No.”
“Do I get my own office?”
“Nope.”
“Will I get to work with you?”
“Yes.”
“Will you have the same expectations for me that you do for the others?”
“More. ‘To whom much is given…’”
“It’s a deal,” he smiles widely. My heart warms from it.
“Richard?”
“Holt can make his own choices. If he wants to do this, I won’t stop it.”
“Cool. Thanks, dad. I’m going to go call Mom while you all finish up.” He leaves the conference room.
“You knew all along you wanted Holt,” Richard says.
“Since the minute I walked into the hospital room.”
“And if I hadn’t agreed to this meeting?”
“I would have figured out another way. I don’t take easily to the word ‘no’ when I know it should be a ‘yes’.”
“No. I’m sure you don’t,” he laughs.
“You’re laughing at me? You find me funny?”
“Yes, I find you funny, but I’m not laughing at you. I’m laughing at Graham.”
Graham and I look curiously at him.
“She’s exactly what you deserve. Someone who doesn’t like the word ‘no’.”
Graham’s lip twitches, and Adam joins Richard in laughter.
“He’s still new to this. Don’t make it easy for him. Let him figure some of it out on his own,” he says, slapping Graham on the back. It’s evident Graham is not used to being the butt of the joke.
We wrap up a few logistics. My takeaway is to send him the profiles of the guys I will be placing on his teams and how to best utilize them.
“You still going to ride this afternoon?” Adam asks after Richard and Holt leave.
“I am. I’m planning on going now. What about you? You up for a ride?”
“I would love to, but Jules has a list for me today. You did great.” He peppers my forehead with a kiss.
“I know.” I’m doing a little happy dance. George comes into the room, and I grab his hands forcing him to dance with me.
“Why am I dancing?” he asks Graham.
“Happy dance,” Graham smirks.
George looks from Graham to me and shrugs, warily adding a little shake to his move. I’m getting the impression he doesn’t see the casual side of Graham often.
“Okay. I’m done.” George nods and excuses himself.
“I’ll walk out with you, Adam. I’ll see you when I get back?” I ask Graham.
“You’re going riding by yourself?”
“Yep. Unless you want to come with?”
“I have work that can’t wait. Will Blaine be there?” His question direct, leaving no need for interpretation.
“I’ll let you two chat,” Adam says with an odd smile. “Great job today, sweetheart. I’m very proud of you.”
“Thank you,” I smile.
“I’m proud of you, too,” Graham says once Adam has left. Something about those words coming from him swells my heart.
I pounce before he knows it’s happening, pushing my tongue deep into his mouth.
“Fuck me,” I beg him.
Graham hits a button under the table and I hear a click. The windows frost. Very 007. He pulls off my pants. His mouth finds mine again as he lifts me onto his conference room table laying me back. My hair fans out around me. He stops for a minute looking at me.
“You’re beautiful”
“Thank you.”
&nbs
p; “I mean it, Emme. You’re really stunning.” I see his resolve snap. He undoes the fly of his jeans and without removing them, he slams into me on the conference room table. My back arches at the impact. Graham grabs my forearms and pulls me to him, like he’s trying to climb his entire body inside of me. His stride is relentless as we both begin to climb.
“Quiet,” he reprimands gently, reminding me George is near. He knows that’s hard for me. I bite my lip to hold it in.
“Get there, Emelia.” He pumps into me several more times and orchestrates us going over the cliff together. I find my orgasm as he pours himself into me. I tug on my arms for him to release them, wrapping them around him when he does. Our breathing comes in waves. Slowly, he pulls out of me, cleans himself then me before dressing us both. He pulls me into a deep intimate kiss.
“I’ll see you at the house for dinner.”
He’s dismissing me? He leaves the conference room for his office. Well alright then. I tell George good-bye. Smith takes me to the house. I’m not sure where everyone is, but all the cars are gone. I guess I won’t go riding. I explore the grounds and decide on a swim.
Their pool is perfect. It’s heated so the water temperature is just right. The shape and size lends itself to swimming laps. The same sound system works at the pool, sending music over the speakers. I dive in and start a leisurely pace of swimming laps.
I’m on my sixth or seventh lap when someone dives in beside me. It’s Graham. Neither of us stops or say anything, we just continue to swim. As we round another lap, I’m aware that I have picked up my pace and am no longer swimming for leisure. This is competition. Graham senses it, too. His body is at ease in the water. His strokes long, hard, and graceful. I begin using my legs to push off each time, trying to gain some leverage. I see his smile when he turns his face for air. I’m keeping pace with him and even inch forward a little. I’ve just moved ahead when he grabs my ankles and pulls me back to him, lifting me partly out of the water.
“Hey, I was winning.”
“You were, baby,” he placates me, his hands coming around my breast, his erection at my hip. “Thought you might want your prize.”
“Always, baby. I always want you. Only you. Fuck only you.”
I hear a growl as he turns me to him, his mouth once again claiming mine. I knew what my words would do to him.