No, No, No! Oh my god, this can’t be happening. “Freddy, how could you say that to Walker, of all people? He is completely jealous, and can be downright obsessive when it comes to me. He doesn’t take too kindly to my modeling as it is, but also doesn’t stand in my way either. Now I understand why he was so cold to me when I called him. I have to fix this, Freddy. Right now!”
“Calm down Reese… I already talked to him. I sobered up and called him to explain everything. He’s much calmer now, and no one is breaking up with anyone. Your hot man only has eyes for you. He isn’t going anywhere, Reese. I’m sorry I’ve been a shitty friend. Can we talk? Really talk and clear the air between us?”
I answered Freddy with a hug. We talked all day…just like our college days down south. We looked at the clock and saw that hours had passed. I quickly got dressed, and my best friend and I spent the rest of our time exploring the beautiful city together and catching up. Whatever Walker wanted to say to me would have to wait until I got back to New York.
Freddy did confirm that he wasn’t returning home with me, and I would be on my own. I already knew this in my heart, but hearing it didn’t make me feel any better. I would always love Freddy, we have shared so much together, but our lives were going in different directions. It was time to watch him fulfill his dreams. We promised to stay in touch, but you know how that goes. I only hoped it wouldn’t be true for us.
Marsha and I said our goodbyes to each other in London. She would be returning to New York at the end of January. She decided to take an extended holiday and told me how happy she was that I was her client. The editors over at Cosmopolitan were thrilled with my pictures and expressed interest on working with me in the future. My mind was all over the place and I couldn’t make any decisions right now. Marsha had lined up work for me through spring and summer if I wanted the work. I would give her my answer on all of it when she returned home.
I hadn’t had any other communication with Walker since our fight, only a text or two telling him my flight itinerary. It was freezing, and I was shivering as I walked in to my darkened apartment, minus one best friend. Leaving my bags where I dropped them, I walked into my living room to find wall to wall flowers all arranged perfectly throughout the room. Holding my hand over my heart I said, “What the?”
There he stood, my beautiful man holding one long stemmed red rose. I blinked a few times and tried to catch my breath with what he had done. Clearly we weren’t over; if anything we were about to make up.
Walking slowly over to where I was standing, he embraced me with wanton desire and passion. He breathed me in, as I closed my eyes and thanked God that he was here. “I’m so sorry for not trusting you. It made me crazy being without you. Please forgive me, Reese?” He began to slowly mark my neck with soft kisses, and marking me with his delicious tongue. Holding my face in his hands and looking directly into my eyes, he whispered…“Forgive me” Walker had a way of using his body to answer for him and for us. It was our private expression on how to communicate with one another.
I took his hand, and led him to my bedroom. I found more roses strewn out all over the room. I backed him up until his legs hit my bed, making him fall backwards on to the mattress. I climbed on top of him, began kissing him, trailing my tongue down his throat and moving my hands under his shirt. He let out a savage groan and flipped me on to my back. Walker was quick and had my blouse off of me before I could blink. My bra and skirt were next, leaving me only in my panties. Softly touching my breasts with his masculine hands he began moving down my neck with whispers of kisses. His kisses become more passionate as he bit down on my nipples, making me cry out in pleasure.
He didn’t stop as his hand traveled down toward my weeping sex. He ripped my panties from my body and tenderly slid his fingers over my clit. Kneeling between my legs he continued his sensual assault on my body. My eyes rolled back as his soft kisses made their way down my torso and finally entered my pussy. My body was writhing under him, and I could not control the noises coming out of my mouth. My hands found his head, and I pulled him further down into me until I could take no more. I screamed out his name. As my body was convulsing, he used his forehead to put pressure right above my pelvis, and my orgasm lasted longer than any other. He lifted his head, and with one more flick of his dexterous tongue, I came again. Not letting my buzz wear off, he flipped me onto my stomach to take me from behind.
I was on my knees with my ass in the air; he spanked me twice as he pounded me… hard. My walls clenched around him as he pushed harder and faster until we came together, with him emptying himself into me. He collapsed on my back, our fingers entwined, as he kissed my neck. “I love you, Reese Mitchell, and if you didn’t know it before…You. Are. Mine. Forever.”
Oh holy hell! “Yes, I do know that, Walker, but thank you for the reminder.” I was spent, and we just fell asleep holding each other. Hours later I woke to him inside of me again. Three orgasms later, we were sitting cross-legged facing each other and eating dinner out of Chinese food containers. Was it dinner? I lost track of time.
“I love the flowers, thank you.”
“You deserve them and so much more. I should have never doubted you while you were away. These feelings that I’m experiencing are so new, and ones that I have never felt before. They took me by surprise, and I really didn’t know what to do with them. My father also didn’t help my missing you. Not to darken our day, but the entire time we were in California, all he talked about was Elizabeth. That she would be the perfect choice to decorate the offices, and she would be an asset to the company.”
“Is that was Elizabeth does? Is she an interior designer?” I asked with curiosity. We haven’t talked about Elizabeth in months. I almost forgot about her.
“Her father, Henry, is also in real estate, and she has just earned her designing degree. Elizabeth just has a natural instinct about these things, and has assisted both her parents in many of their projects. My father insists that she is my match, but I keep telling him to stop. Elizabeth and I are nothing more than friends. I’m completely in love with this southern belle from Georgia. Now, she’s a looker. She is breathtaking, and her legs… don’t even get me started.”
I throw a fortune cookie at him, he has me laughing so much to the point that I’m in tears. We crack open the cookie and it reads…
“DID YOU DO this? I laugh as I read the fortune again.”
My man smiled back at me and raised his hands up as if he was surrendering to me. “Not me babe, must be fate, and fate wanted us to get this fortune.” How can I argue with the universe, when it gave me Walker?
Kissing him back, I whispered… “Yes, baby, its fate.”
“We have to get ready for my father’s party. I have everything I need here, so we can just call for the car when we are ready.”
“Walker, I want to spend New Year’s Eve with you, but your father…not so much. He scares the hell out of me. We already know he doesn’t like me. If I show up on your arm it’s just going to put more fuel on the fire. He clearly does not want me with you. While we were apart, I gave it some thought. I can’t make him like me, but I will not have him disrespect me any longer. So, I would rather not have any unwanted confrontations with him if I could help it. Please do not ask me to go.”
“Reese, my father can go to hell. I don’t care what he wants, because he doesn’t get to decide who I end up with. So fuck him and his plans for my future. He can’t hurt us, Reese. He can’t take my inheritance away from me. All of that is locked up and safely set up for me in a trust, and it becomes all mine the day I graduate college. My grandfather made sure that I would take my rightful place in the company; I have known this since I was young. I have been groomed to take it over one day from him, just as it was Phillip who succeeded his. I’m not worried about his threats, and you shouldn’t be either. I will fire his ass if I have to, but please don’t let him get to you.”
“Will Elizabeth be there tonight?” I couldn’t help the veheme
nce of my tone when I mentioned her name. I was downright jealous of her, and she never did anything to me except love Walker herself.
“Yes, she will be there tonight along with her parents. I told you how close they are to my family, but again you have no worries when it comes to Elizabeth. Now please, let’s drop this. Let’s have another round while we are in the shower.”
He was dressed in a black Armani Tux, while I was wearing a Ralph Lauren gown. It was given to me while I was in Italy. A present from the man himself, and he expressed how happy he was that I was the model that made his design come to life. I was completely taken back by his compliments. Having only been in this business for a short time, I was definitely going to enjoy the perks.
“You are stunning. Turn around for me.” I turned around for Walker, until he stopped me. He looked me up and down and shook his head. “I don’t know, Reese, there’s something missing...hmmm.”
Without me catching on, he presented me with a Tiffany’s box. I covered my mouth and began to cry. “Reese, you don’t even know what it is yet, crying comes later.” Now I know he was teasing me. We had exchanged our Christmas gifts weeks ago before the holiday. We didn’t want to miss out due to all of our traveling.
“This gift is different,” Walker explained. “Reese, what’s in this box you already have. This gift symbolizes our love, and it represents our future. Wear this with the knowledge that you will always have me right where I belong.” He slowly opened the box, and my eyes brightened with the site of a gorgeous platinum locket with an encrusted diamond heart shining back at me. It was the most beautiful locket I had ever seen. I opened it: one side contained a picture of us that was taken back in Georgia, and the other one was of Walker. He told me that as time goes on, we can change the pictures to our wedding photo, and then to our children. He asked me to turn it over and read the inscription. It simply read…You are my forever. Love, Walker.
“It’s beautiful, baby. Thank you so much for the best gift I have ever received.” I kissed him, and he used his thumb to stop my falling tears.
“This is only the beginning for us, Reese. We will have all the time in the world. If you ever doubt it, just look to your locket, and know you are holding my heart.” He placed the necklace on me, and I vowed to never take it off.
Our car pulled up to the front of the Reed’s apartment building. Photographers lined the sidewalk trying to catch a glimpse of who was behind the tinted windows. Holding my hand, Walker turned to me. “Are you ready, beautiful?”
I take a deep breath and answer him, “Yes.”
I’m told that the Reed’s New Year’s Eve party was one that was never to be missed, especially from New York’s finest families. I was no stranger to the cameras, but this felt all too surreal for a holiday party. We quickly made our way into the building, to the safety of the private elevator. A few reporters shouted out and asked Walker who was his escort of the evening. One reporter asked him who was escorting Elizabeth. I found that very strange because Walker had always told me they were friends only.
“It’s me and you against the world, right, baby? I love you… let’s roll.” Hand in hand we made our entrance into the beautifully decorated great room. It had vaulted ceilings with fine artwork that lined the walls. Walker’s mother greeted us first. She looked beautiful in her emerald green gown. She was wearing matching jewels that decorated her neck, wrists, and ears.
“Oh my darling son, Happy New Year. Hello to you too, dear.”
“Happy New Year, Mrs. Reed. You look lovely, and thank you for having me here tonight.”
“Oh don’t give it a second thought dear, enjoy yourself.” Two air kisses later and she was off mingling with the crowd. I eyed the other guests, and my eyes found his father staring back at me. Phillip Reed was surrounded by a group of men drinking what looked like scotch. He raised his glass at me, then continued on with his conversation. I felt chills run down my spine there was such darkness in his eyes. “How can a woman like Olivia be married to a man like that?” I asked Walker that very question after meeting his father. He explained that his father is very different from his alter ego that he often shows to the world. “When Phillip Reed is with his wife, and her alone, he is a man in love.” It was so confusing to believe that. All I have seen of this man is a controlling, ruthless jerk that shows more hate than love.
Walker and I danced with only each other until we were interrupted by Elizabeth and his father. Elizabeth looked gorgeous, and her smile was genuine, unlike Phillip who just sneered at me through his fake smile. Phillip asked if he could share a dance with me, while Elizabeth danced with Walker. Walker was hesitant at first, but then I winked at him. I meant what I promised myself. Phillip Reed was not going to intimidate or disrespect me.
“Having a good time Ms. Mitchell?” He gripped my hand with his other holding steady at the small of my back.
“I am Mr. Reed, thank you.” I kept my answers simple.
“I believe I asked you to end things with my son, and yet here you are at my party. For a smart girl, you really don’t take direction well. That’s a pity, my dear, because now you have forced my hand.”
“Mr. Reed, why are you doing this to me? I’ve done nothing wrong, but love your son and he loves me. Please just let us be. I promise not to mention this to him.”
“You can do whatever you want, Ms. Mitchell, because after I share my knowledge of your past with him, he will be so disgusted that he will leave you. I was trying to actually help you, but you defy me. So you are leaving me with no choice.”
I felt sickened by his threats. He gripped my hand tighter as I tried to pull away from him. I glanced over to Walker, who was dancing and having a conversation with Elizabeth, they were both smiling at each other.
“You see that my dear? She is his match. Not you. And the sooner you realize this, the better off you will be. The longer you wait and continue to ignore my warnings, then you truly will only have yourself to blame. This is your last chance… Remember that, Ms. Mitchell.” He released me and turned away as if threatening to destroy one’s happiness was no big deal. I have to get out of here and I have to leave now. Walker is still dancing with Elizabeth with his back to me.
I quickly walked to the coat closet to retrieve my wrap. I ran for the elevators, and as the doors began to close, Walker called for me. He was too late, the doors were closing. A waiting cab was at the curb, and I jumped in. I shouted my address, and he hit the gas. Walker was going to be out of his mind with worry, but I couldn’t even begin to explain this to him. His father is evil! He is probably telling Walker right now about me, the part of my past that I didn’t share with him yet.
Where the hell was I going to go? I shouldn’t go back to my apartment. He will find me there. Freddy is not here, and the few friends I do have are out of town celebrating the New Year. I have no choice, I have nowhere else to go. I should be with the man I love right now, and instead I did exactly what Phillip wanted me to do…I left Walker.
I locked my door behind me, and if Walker showed up, he could use the key that I gave him. I am drained, and I don’t have the slightest idea on how to handle this. His father made it perfectly clear tonight that if I don’t yield to his wishes, I somehow will suffer for it, but how? This man is not God? He doesn’t have the power to just fuck with people’s lives. I’m such an idiot! Why did I leave the party? I should have slapped his face, and spit at him. That rotten, bastard hiding behind those fake smiles… while he is hating me and plotting my demise. I don’t understand this at all. I’m simply in love with his son, and Walker loves me. He has proved it to me over and over again. I must look like a crazy person to him.
It was after midnight, and I was just lying in bed when I glanced at my phone. Where is he? Why isn’t he here? I realized that I’m still wearing my gown, and it had been hours since I had come home. I forced myself to get up and go into the bathroom to wash my face and change. I put on one of Walker’s NYU sweatshirts that he had left
here. It smelled like him. I breathed in his scent and committed it to memory. I’m surrounded by the beautiful roses that are all around my apartment. Reuniting with him yesterday was the happiest moment of my life. My hand slowly slid to my neck and touched my locket. I open it up and remember his heartfelt words that he recited to me. You are my forever. Love, Walker.
I missed celebrating our first New Year’s together. My mind was replaying the dance I shared with Phillip, and how once again he threatened me. I had no clue as to where Walker could have been. I continued to sit there in my darkened room, praying he would come home to me. I must have fallen asleep, because I didn’t hear him when he finally arrived.
“Reese, baby… are you here?” My door slowly creaked open, and he turned the side light on. I looked up to find Walker standing over me. My pillowcase was soaked with tears, my make-up had run down my face, and my eyes hurt.
“Baby, are you okay? My father said you suddenly fell ill and needed to leave. I would have been here sooner, but my mother slipped and hurt her ankle. She didn’t want to go the hospital so I waited with her until our family physician showed up to tend to her.”
“Is she okay, your mother?”
“Yes, she’s fine. Just a bad sprain. She has to take it easy for a few days, but nothing’s broken.”
“I’m more concerned about you at the moment. Can I get you anything? Soup perhaps?” He was totally in the dark as to why I left, and he looked so worried because he thought that I was sick. I must have looked awful with all the crying that I’d done since I left the party.
“Walker, I’m not sick. Don’t you think I would’ve told you if I felt sick? Your father lied to you. He’s the reason why I left the party.”
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