by Ali Parker
"Who bit you? The co-worker have a dog that needs to be put down?" Her mother's eyebrow lifted as a smile tugged at her lips. Bethany chuckled and pulled her shirt up, shaking her head and moving to stand.
"His name is Philip. He's a new intern at work. He's handsome, smart and just my kind of guy I guess. I shouldn't have stayed, but it's been a long two years of not dating anyone to focus on my grades." Bethany shrugged and reached for the last piece of toast as her mother lifted the plate toward her.
"I think it's great. You need to let your hair down and enjoy yourself some." Her mom laughed softly, the older woman's cheeks coloring a bit.
"I think my hair down is half the problem." Bethany took a bite, butter running down the side of her hand. She moved to lick it as her mother waved her off.
"No details. You and your tongue get out of here. I'm still your mother."
Bethany chuckled and turned, walking from the kitchen and rushing around to get ready for what was sure to be an awkward day at the office.
Chapter 17
The dull ache between her thighs pulled her back into the depravity of her night with Damon, every subtle movement causing it to revive. She pressed her back to the elevator, praying that no one she knew would get on. The door opened to her floor and she walked off languidly, her eyes scanning the area to see who was in and who hadn't made it yet. It was late and by then she would usually have been a couple hours into a project. She would have to catch up with Ben later and see how the rest of the intern party had fared. That, and give him a good excuse why she rushed off without saying goodbye after having just arrived at the club.
The 'sick mom' card would work. It always did.
She dropped her purse in the empty seat in front of her desk before dropping down in her comfortable leather chair. Her stomach growled loudly, the rumble reminding her of a cat being mauled. She smiled at the thought and reached over to turn on her computer as a knock resounded at her open door.
Philip.
"Hey Cinderella." He smiled and pointed to the chair across from her. "Mind if I come in?"
"Not at all." Bethany stood, reaching over the desk and grabbing her purse. She dropped it beside her desk and smoothed down the front of her gray suit, the light sapphire shirt accenting the pinstripes in the material. She felt like she owned the world when wearing a suit. Might as well act like it as well.
"So what happened last night? We got on the dance floor and I had to run to the restroom. I come back and you've disappeared." He laughed, his smile warm and safe. "I looked everywhere for you. Ben was worried too. No glass slipper. No breadcrumb trail or anything..."
She laughed and reached over to type in her password, the need to get started on something and take her mind off of Damon pressing against her.
"My mother texted and said she wasn't feeling very well." Bethany glanced over at him. "My father left us a long time ago, so when she needs me I usually overreact, which I did last night."
"Oh. Sadie said she thought you left with some guy. I figured that couldn't be right, but you know she's always trying to start something."
Bethany turned toward him, her smile dropping at the mention of the redheaded intern. It was only a matter of time before she had an ass-whooping headed her way.
"Well, she was wrong. Sorry to disappoint." Her tone changed, coldness that Philip didn't deserve sneaking into her words. He held up his hands and shook his head as if surrendering.
"Hey, no worries here. I was just telling you what she said. I'm just glad you're alive and well. How's your mom doing?"
"She's good. I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that." She leaned back in her chair letting out a soft sigh. Not sleeping more than a couple of hours, mixed with the torrential flood of questions the night caused, left her exhausted.
"It's no problem. So... was she sick?"
"Yeah, throwing up and stuff. I took care of her most of the night. I'm honestly beat from it."
"You should have stayed home."
"Maybe, but I don't get paid for staying home." She stood up and reached for her bank card. "I'm thinking I want to test fate. Want to join me?"
He stood as well, a soft chuckle leaving him as he nodded. "Always wanted to fuck fate, but testing her out first sounds like a more prudent way of doing things."
"I'm just talking about testing my new bank card. You sound like you have much bigger plans." Bethany walked around him and through the door, looking over her shoulder at the handsome boy. "You look nice today."
"And you look stunning, but I didn't want to be overbearing and tell you."
"I like that type of overbearing. Let's get something down in the cafeteria." She moved into the elevator, turning to watch him walk toward her. He was interested. By the look on his face, his smile reaching into his eyes, he was ready to take a next step and ask her out. She would need to nip it in the bud, but wanted to be careful. Not having too many friends in the office yet, it was nice to be around him. He would be a great work friend if he was willing to see her differently.
"I like the overbearing way you danced last night."
"Overbearing?"
"I guess overwhelming would be better. You a dancer? Take lessons as a kid or something?"
"Oh, I thought you meant pole dancer. I should have been one... easier way to pay my classes in college." She reached up to push the button on the elevator panel, Philip having moved close to her side.
"I'll keep my thoughts to myself on this one."
She laughed and wrapped her arms around her chest. Philip reminded her of her ex-boyfriend, Jake, but a version she would consider dating if her step-brother hadn't stolen her completely. His ways were unethical, using lust and his sex appeal to leave her panting after him. She needed to figure out how to return the favor.
"Hey... did I lose you?" Philip waved in front of her as he held the elevator door open. Bethany moved toward him, shaking her head.
"Oh sorry. Got lost in my thoughts for a moment."
"Not thoughts of pole dancing I hope." He laughed as she swatted at him.
They grabbed a coffee and a few donuts to share, Philip picking up the tab and not giving her a chance to pay. Bethany sighed, rolling her eyes at him.
"I thought you guys from Australia were domineering and made your women do everything."
"You considering yourself to be my woman?"
Heat rushed up her neck. She reached up and tugged at the top of her shirt to make sure the evidence of her night was fully covered. They sat down at a small table near the edge of the large white-walled cafeteria.
"No. I didn't mean it like that. I just meant women in general."
He grinned and reached for the only chocolate donut. He almost had it to his mouth as she gasped, reaching for it.
"Hey. I wanted the chocolate one."
He pulled it out of her reach and smiled so big it had to have hurt his face. She reached again, moving out of her chair as he laughed loudly.
"No fucking way. I get the chocolate one."
She put her hands on her hips, tilting her head as she eyed him and then the donut.
"I'm not playing with you. I'm eating the chocolate one." She reached again as he stood too, extending the donut behind him. He trapped her to the front of his lithe frame with a hug, his laugher contagious.
"Not even if you were my woman, Beth. I'll buy you another one."
Bethany moved away from him, the moment sweet and almost too precious.
"Well, isn't this a plot twist?" Sadie's voice grated on her like nails on a chalkboard.
"A plot twist? You read?" Bethany turned to face her nemesis, a sweet smile slithering across her face. It was time to mess with the girl a little.
"Of course I don't read. I'm far too busy riding the universe through the stars."
"So poetic. Just beautiful, don't you think, Philip? Ignorance can still birth creativity. Logic perhaps not, but creativity, yes."
Philip shoved the donut in his mouth, talking around it
. Bethany popped him on the chest as he broke up in laughter, pointing to the dining hall and walking away. He was headed to get more chocolate donuts. Perfect timing... Ass.
"I saw you leave with that guy last night. You can try and play innocent with everyone around here, but I'm on to you."
"Because you think I left with someone from the bar... you're on to me? What does that even mean? Bisexuality is accepted by most people, but I'm not really interested." Bethany snorted softly. "I mean, I'd talk to your friend that walks around up your ass, but you're... not my type at all."
"What are you talking about, oaf? You should hear yourself rambling on." She flipped her hair behind her shoulder, narrowing her eyes on Bethany. "I saw you with the guy. Period. I'll be telling Damon that his latest piece of ass is seeing someone else."
"What if it was Damon, Sadie? Then what?"
"It wasn't. He never comes to those things. Honestly, I don't know why he's bothering with you. Is your daddy rich?"
"It's none of your business who my daddy is and what he is or isn't." Bethany moved around the table, her heart racing in her chest as goosebumps rushed across her skin. How she hated this loud bitch.
"Oh... we've hit a sensitive spot. Let me guess," Sadie pressed her finger to her pencil thin lips, "your mom had you out of wedlock and her druggie boyfriend decided neither of you were worth staying for. You paid for college by working your ass off and loading up on debt and Damon feels sorry for you. Did I get it right? Did daddy leave you because you weren't worth sticking around for?"
The room twisted around her, a splash of red brushing across her vision as she took the last two steps between her and Sadie. Her fist connected hard with the side of the mouthy girl's face. Sadie screamed and fell to the ground, blood seeping out on the white tile floor around her.
Bethany came to and bent down, trying to help her as Sadie screamed at her.
"Back up you vicious bitch. Don't come near me. I'm calling security and my father is going to sue. Get back!"
Bethany moved, shock rushing over her. Had she really just fucked her chances of being someone at McKenzie and Bryant and even more so, having her masters paid for?
Philip walked up, pulling her back and bending down to look at her.
"Hey... Beth. Hey."
She shook her head, her vision still a little blurred as his voice penetrated the demand to finish the job by choking the redhead out completely.
"What?" she whispered, looking up at him.
"You need to go. Take these and get out of here. I'll work out things with Sadie for you. Make sure you talk to Mr. Bryant first. He seems to think highly of you. Get to him and then go home. I'll deal with this."
Bethany turned, walking toward the elevator as numbness wrapped around her. It had to be lack of sleep. She hadn't been in a fight since high school, the reason for that one no different than the one that just occurred. Would her father always be such a sore spot?
"How did she know about him?" Bethany whispered, reaching into the bag Philip had handed off to her and pulling out a chocolate donut. She bit into it deeply and got off on Damon's floor.
Linda looked up from her desk. Concern swept across her features. "Bethany, you okay?"
"Just long morning already," Bethany mumbled, her words monotone and running together. What was wrong with her? "Where's Damon?"
"Mr. Bryant is in Seattle. He left this morning. Should be back at the end of the weekend."
"He left this morning? When?"
"At nine."
"Did he leave a message for me?" Bethany dropped the donut in the bag, her stomach turning sour.
Linda's mouth lifted in a smirk as she chuckled softly, her tone berating.
"Why would he, dear? You're an intern and he's the CFO of the company." She reached for the phone. "Excuse me."
Bethany turned and walked to the stairs, not wanting to run into anyone she knew. A quick stop by her office and she would be headed to Kent's to spend the afternoon in her bed. A long hard cry at the situation with Sadie would help, but would it soothe the ache in her chest over Damon?
Had the night just been a quick fuck and he was on to his next girl? Why wouldn't he at least tell her he was going out of town? Linda's words left her feeling stupid and childish. Tears welled in her eyes as she jogged the rest of the way down the stairs, stopping by her office and grabbing her purse before making her way to the street level.
Time to test fate.
Chapter 18
"Oh hell no," Matt grumbled loudly. Bethany moved the pillow from her head and looked up, her tears having soaked the sheet beneath her.
"Go away. I'm not in the mood to be friendly."
He pounced on the bed, his large hand pressing against the upper part of her back again and again. She bounced with his efforts, growing angry and swatting at him.
"No need to be friendly. We're family. Get your ass up. I'm taking you out."
"No. I'm not interested in seeing people. I hate everyone."
"Liar. Get up. I'm going to inhale everything in the fridge. When I come back you better be in the shower and getting ready. Jeans and a t-shirt. Get up, get dressed and let's go have fun together."
"No," she grumbled, sitting up and pushing her hair from her face in time to see Matt leave. She didn't want to go anywhere. The darkness of her room provided the perfect place to hide. Between the situation with Sadie and Damon's dismissal of her as he left town without a damn word, she was done.
"Get up or I'll drag your ass out of there." Matt's voice lost volume as he moved away.
She threw her pillow across the room toward the door. A temper tantrum would be welcomed, but childish. She denied herself the action. Getting up and walking languidly to the bathroom, Bethany stripped and got in the shower. The steam offered comfort and her tears mixed with the water that hit her face.
Sleeping with Damon had been a mistake. One she was sure to not have the chance to live down. Was he going to come back from Seattle and pretend that nothing had happened between them? Things were business as per usual?
"Why? You're so damn stupid." She tugged at her hair, anger rushing from the pit of her stomach to her chest. Was she so desperate to feel something, anything, that she would believe herself able to capture someone as powerful and sexy as her asshole step-brother? And of course there was that... he was her step-brother, or soon would be.
How had she figured that would play out? Their attraction to each other was tangible, the feeling of him taking her to heights unimaginable rolling over her in waves. She pressed her back to the cool shower wall and let her face drop into her waiting hands. Even if there had been something worth exploring in a relationship with him, how would that ever work out?
Hi, this is my husband and brother, Damon.
She growled loudly in the shower, hitting her balled up fists against the slick tiles. She needed to separate herself from him entirely. To be intimate with him once was a mistake, just blatant horny ignorance. To do it again would be a clear indication that she was sick or a complete dumbass.
"Hurry up. I want chips and queso. Nothing else will do," Matt yelled, his voice slipping through the crack under the locked door of the bathroom.
"I'm hurrying. Excuse the fact that I have to stop for a fucking meltdown every few minutes."
"It can't be that bad. Come on. We'll work through it together."
"You don't want to know this Matt." She let her hands drop and turned to put her head under the spray of the water, not wanting to continue the conversation. She was horrified by the thought of Matt finding out that she had fallen in love with Damon.
"Love or lust?" she whispered, before turning off the shower and stepping out into the chilly air of the bathroom.
Did it matter which?
*
A few minutes later Bethany was standing in the opening to the kitchen. Matt's back was to her as he shook his butt and danced in the light of the open fridge, a song being hummed from his lips softly. She
cleared her throat and he stood, hitting his head on the top door of the freezer.
"Ouch, dammit." He turned and smiled, shutting the door and walking toward her.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to surprise you." Bethany shrugged, leaning into the hug he offered. Why couldn't Damon be like Matt? Why couldn't there be no Damon at all?
"No apologies. Let's go. I'm taking you out. Shopping, dinner and coffee. Sound good?"
Bethany pulled out of his grasp and shook her head.
"I guess, but I'm telling you that I'm not the best company tonight." She glanced around. "Where is my mother?"
"She said to tell you that she would see you later tonight. Something about her and her best friend going out to look for outfits for the wedding."
"Outfits for the wedding?" Bethany turned and followed Matt's lead as they walked through the expansive house and out into the warm summer night.
"It's a destination wedding, remember? So I guess flip flops and togas? Who knows? You're the girl. You tell me." He pushed his shoulder into her before she moved around the car to get in. Matt's small Toyota Corolla gave off the image that he was a regular guy with a regular life. Exactly the way she knew he wanted it.
She got in the car and pulled on her seatbelt. He slipped in and turned the car on, revving the air conditioner up to high before pulling out into the quiet street of the neighborhood.
"I'm almost worried about making time for the wedding with school starting the week after we get back, and my responsibilities at the firm." Bethany looked out her window, her teeth pressing down on her bottom lip.
"The wedding is going to be a great time, and one you seem to need. Talk to me about what's going on with you today. You don't seem like the type to hide away in your bed and let anything get you down. What happened?"
She turned her head toward him, reaching out to turn the radio on for background music.
"I punched that redheaded girl at the office in the face. I'm sure I broke her nose and probably lost my job. I'm surprised Damon hasn't called and chewed me out. Actually, I'm not surprised. He left town without saying anything. Nothing at all. Nada." She crossed her arms over her chest, leaning her head back and closing her eyes as a shaky sigh left her.