Alice And The Hatter_A Dirty Fairytale Romance

by Evie Monroe

  “They do it because you’re their friend.” Both loved and respected him to no end.

  “Are we friends, Liss?” He turned back in his seat and stared ahead. “Because I’ve talked to the guys. They are in agreement about starting a new company. One with a fresh, new designer as my partner. I don’t want to be the only face of the brand, and the guys seem to think that you’re the only choice. They wanted me to come here and ask you if you’d be interested.”

  “They did, huh? And what about you, Johnny? What do you want with me?” I was eager to know if he’d wanted me at all or if the guys had pushed him here with an ultimatum. I could see both doing so, especially Weed.

  “I want you to come back, too. Your creativity, efficiency, and the way you work with Weed are irreplaceable. The two of you are a powerhouse team when you want to be, and I think we worked brilliantly together too.”

  “What kind of brand? Same demographic?” I didn’t really care about any of it. I just wanted him to want me for more than my talent. I wanted to know that he wanted me because he couldn’t live without me.

  “I want to keep it fresh and young. I’d like to focus on jeans and shoes. Maybe do some handbags and small accessories. I think my name could work as a catalyst for a much bigger brand than we had. And with you by my side, there’s no telling what we can achieve.”

  I wondered if this was the same talk he’d given Victoria when they’d got into business together. I wondered if she’d been like me, trusting and eager to help, or if it had all been about money to her. I wanted nothing more than to learn and help him take Mad Mode to new heights, and he couldn’t even be honest with me about Victoria. I wondered what else he might lie about.

  “I’m not sure I could ever trust you again, Johnny. I still don’t understand why you kept her a secret from me.”

  “I kept her a secret from everyone. It was a long time before and Weed, and Nate even knew that I was still married to her. She only started pressuring me to sell the company nine months ago.”

  “And what of her company? What happened to what’s yours is mine?”

  “She used Chester to set it up. He told Weed. I’m not sure it wasn’t pillow talk, but I don’t want to know.”

  “Pillow talk? I thought for sure Chester was Victoria’s lover, but it does explain a lot.”

  “She uses him as an accessory, and I think he’s just happy to have someone giving him attention.” He raked his hand through his hair. “Are you in, Alice?”

  “I don’t know, Johnny. I’ve made plans to see the world of fashion and think I need a break to get over everything that’s happened. I want to see Paris and Milan.”

  I pulled into the motel parking lot and stopped. “Come back with me, and you’ll see it all, I promise. We can have something wonderful.” I searched his eyes, and he was still talking about business.

  “You and my father came to an agreement, huh? He knew you were going to ask me to come back with you and you’re still walking just fine?” I glanced down at his strong legs and remembered them stretched out beneath me.

  “I’m as surprised as you are. He even shook my hand.” He squared his shoulders.

  “Impressive.” I gestured to the motel. “I thought you might like to get yourself a room. That is if you don’t have a private jet sitting around here waiting on you.”

  “It’s around, but I’ll stay as long as I need to. I have a feeling I shouldn’t bother going home if it’s without you.”

  “Look, Johnny, it’s a lot to think about. I’m not going to uproot my life back and forth, and I’m not sure it’s the place for me. Besides, I’m not sure we can have a working relationship after what’s happened.” I wanted to say only have, but I had to face facts; he hadn’t come to get me back with him. “It’s not been an easy month, Johnny. I don’t want to put myself through that again.”

  I’d searched my soul for answers all month.

  “I know. It hasn’t been easy for me either.” I knew it hadn’t. Not with his divorce hanging over his head, much more the fact that he was going to lose his business.

  “Wouldn’t it feel like you were taking the same path? I mean, you and Victoria worked together, and look what happened. Maybe you’d do better on your own? You don’t need me in the mix.”

  “Actually, I do. I’m not sure we could do this without you, and I’m not sure Weed’s going to without you involved. He’ll probably invest full-time in the medical marijuana industry with his brother.” He scratched his stubbly chin.

  So that’s what it was, then. They’d forced him to come down. He wasn’t going to make it without Weed, and he knew it. And through it all he’d not been able to tell me his feelings about us, or how things had worked out. To me, that was a huge sign saying he didn’t care about us, that all he needed me for, was to launch his career. Just like he had Victoria. And part of me couldn’t help but wonder why that had dragged on so long.

  “Will you tell me something, Johnny? Why did you stay with Victoria all of those years? I mean, if it really didn’t mean anything at all. If you didn’t love her?”

  He turned to me and shrugged. “Why is the raven like a writing desk?” I gave him a sideward glance as he opened his car door and stepped out. “I’ll be here for the night.” He took his bag and slung it over his shoulder. “Call me. I’ll head out around lunch tomorrow.”

  As he walked away, I pondered his riddle. There was no reason why. None at all.

  Chapter 25

  Johnny

  As I stood in the parking lot of that motel and watched her drive away, it took all I had in me not to take off running after her. She was on the freeway and headed home before I ever turned around to go inside to register for a room.

  “Welcome back, Mr. Hatter,” said the woman behind the counter. “I’ll put you in the same room if that’s okay?”

  “That’ll be just fine.” I glanced out the window hoping I’d see Liss coming back, but that was wishful thinking.

  I’d be lucky to hear from her the following day and wondered if she’d moved on in the last month with someone new. She hadn’t even mentioned us. And while I knew I could beg her back, I wasn’t going to use that to lure her back. It wouldn’t be fair. I decided I’d better call the guys and tell them not to be surprised if she didn’t come back with me.

  I dialed Weed first, knowing that he would be waiting to hear from me.

  “Tell me you got things worked out.” He was straight to the point as usual.

  “She just dropped me off at the motel and left. I wanted to call and tell you not to hold your breath.”

  “Do you want me to talk to her? I will, man. I’ll beg her if you want.”

  “We can’t do that. I didn’t let myself beg. I did try to be convincing, but I’m not sure it worked. She was more concerned I’d left you and Nate without a job.”

  “She’s a true heart, that one. So, telling her you wanted her back didn’t seal the deal?”

  “No. I didn’t talk to her about us. I didn’t think it was right. I want her to come back for the brand, and if there’s something there with us, then we’ll work it out.”

  “You’re an idiot. You should’ve told her how you feel about her. Why would she want to come back if it’s going to be awkward? If you’re a couple, it won’t be.”

  “She did say we could fail as a business team, the same way Victoria and I did. She asked me why I wanted to risk it again.”

  “And you didn’t tell her it’s because you’re insanely in love with her? Come on, man.” Weed’s tone was full of disappointment. “Go after her and tell her how you feel! And don’t call me back until you’re on a plane home with her at your side!”

  Dammit.

  I dialed Nate’s number hoping he’d be a bit more reasonable than Weed had been. He usually was my more level-headed friend.

  “You didn’t tell her you’re in love with her?” Nate clicked his tongue.

  “Boy, news travels fast.” I could hear Weed b
itching in the background. The two had been together the whole time. “I guess you’re going to give me a lecture now, too?”

  “No. I have other news. I had a feeling you’d fail miserably with Liss, so I went ahead and scoped out some other talent. The pickings are slim, my friend. I found a young man who might fit our bill, but he’d need some discipline. I’m not sure he wouldn’t be a liability.”

  “I’m not hiring some druggie as the face of my company.”

  “Then I suggest you get your ass out there and find Liss. Get on your knees if you have to. Hell, get on one. I don’t care, but I’m telling you, I’ve seen the selection. We’ve got a bunch of spoiled rich kid wannabes, and the only serious artists are a step away from the grave or the pen.”

  “Hey, take it easy on the rich kid wannabes.” I had been one myself in the beginning. “Some of those spoiled brats might be relatable.”

  “Oh no, I can only deal with one of you.” Nate’s tone told me he was really not happy with me either.

  “Fine, I’ll spill my guts and go begging.”

  “Good, and I’ll tell you what you’re always telling us. Make it happen.” He clapped his hands together and did a weak impersonation of my voice before ending the call.

  I didn’t know what was worse, being in a pickle with Liss or in one with those two. I got up and went into the bathroom to wash my face. I’d hoped it would wake me up and bring me to focus, but I was still a mess when I was done. A mess with a wet face. I stared at myself in the mirror and realized I’d left in that damned gold tooth. I popped it out and put it in my pocket and slicked back my crazy hair.

  It was time for a new image. A whole new look for a new future, with or without Liss.

  As I took a white hand towel from the rack and wiped my face, there was a knock at my door. I figured it was just the maid asking about cleaning, but when I peeked out of the curtain, I found Liss.

  I threw open the door. “Liss?”

  She pushed past me and paced the room. “I know that you want me to come back to work with you, but I want to know what’s going on with us, and I want—

  I swept her into my arms and kissed her. She melted against me and kissed me back, but a moment later, she pulled away.

  “Johnny.” She placed her palm flat against my chest and glanced down between us. “We need to work this out. I don’t want to be another Victoria.”

  “You’re not. You could never be like her. You’re special and beautiful and—

  “And I’m sure you’ve said all of this to her before. Let’s face it, the two of you built something spectacular together, and even though she wasn’t entirely responsible for your success, you can’t just act like she never meant something to you.”

  “It was a long time ago. What she and I had didn’t work out and it’s over now. Yes, our path is a bit similar in that we were just starting out, but we’re starting over. We’re going to make this ours. I don’t want to do this without you. Neither do Nate and Weed, who, by the way, have both threatened me not to come home without you.”

  “If I go, what will we be? I’m not going back to just being another employee. I want to be with you, Johnny. I’m not asking for anything too serious, like marriage or even living together, but I need to know you want more between us, or I’m going to have to pass.”

  I wasn’t about to let her pass. I was so glad that she wanted me, and my heart was so full, that I was afraid it would crack on me. I kissed her cheek and lay my forehead against hers. “I want it all with you, Liss. Maybe not all at once, not all next week, but you’re my end game. I see the both of us having all the best that success and life have to offer together. I want us to be lovers and partners and everything else to each other. I don’t want anyone else. I’m old enough to know that I never will.”

  Our lips met in another fevered rush, and it was me that pulled away this time. “And I want you to live with me. I think it’s time I find a new house, too. Something we can make our own.” She gave me a sideward glance. “I’m not proposing, Liss. I know that’s too much too soon, and I also know I will in time, but I just think we should live together. I don’t want to ever be without you again. The last month was hell.”

  “You have no idea. I couldn’t even go to my shop without thinking about you. I’ve only sewed curtains for my friend’s apartment. Straight lines, less to think about.”

  “I want to build you the biggest sewing studio you’ve ever had. Weed should get a new warehouse, and I think Nate needs to do most of his work from his own office. We might need mine.” I gave her a devilish grin and imagined her bent over my desk, her skirt pulled up and exposing her perfect ass.

  My cock hardened, and though I knew I shouldn’t be pawing at her, I couldn’t help myself. It’d been a long month without her. I pressed against her, but before I could make a move, her phone rang.

  “That’s my dad” she said fishing through her bag. “I can tell by the ringtone.”

  “Do you have to answer it?” She gave me an apologetic look and tapped her screen.

  “Hey, Daddy.” She placed her finger over my lips and then nearly giggled when I pretended to bite it. “Sure. That sounds lovely. We’ll meet you in an hour.” She hung up the phone and gave me another one of those looks.

  “I guess getting you naked is going to have to wait.”

  “Daddy wants us to go and meet him and Claudia for dinner.”

  “Claudia?” I shrugged.

  “Oh, Daddy has a new girlfriend. She’s great. You’ll really like her. And, she’s even a bit closer to your age, actually.”

  “Your father has a younger girlfriend?” That explained a whole lot.

  “Well, not my age younger, but she’s in her early forties.”

  “Oh, well, I still can’t help but wonder if that’s what made him have a change of heart.” I imagined the man realized that you didn’t get to choose who you fell in love with.

  “Maybe. Maybe he realized how happy I was with you. He was really good about things when I came home. He didn’t pressure me into talking about it or anything. I think he hoped that he’d have a bit more time having the house all to himself though.”

  “I’m sure he did.” Good old, Daniel. I liked him better already, but I’d have to watch my comments. She was his daughter after all, and no one wanted to think about their parents having sex.

  “I need to go home and freshen up. Dad’s already on his way to Claudia’s. But I promise that once we’re done, I’ll come back here, and we’ll spend the night if you want.”

  “How about we fly home later, and then we’ll head right to bed.” I searched her eyes hoping for them to light with excitement.

  “You’re that anxious to get back to work?” She gave a playful laugh and put her arms up around my neck.

  “I’m anxious to get at you.” I pulled her closer, pressing into her hips so she could feel just how eager I was to get her home and in bed. I didn’t want to tell her how grateful her old man would be. I’m sure he’d use the alone time with his lady to his advantage as well.

  “Patience, Johnny.” She reached down and got my bags and put them back in the car.

  She had no idea how patient waiting a month had been, and it was all I could do to stay away from her. I had told myself every single day that I should give her time and space, battling in my head about how she wouldn’t want me, and I should stay away. If I’d only known that she’d missed me as much, I’d have flown my jet myself to get to her.

  She drove us back to her house, and we went inside to freshen up. She took me to her bedroom, and I smiled at the simple calico bedspread and curtains that she’d probably sewn herself.

  I put my gold tooth in my bag and decided my days of being the Mad Mode Madman were over.

  The change of appearance was going to be good for the press. They loved it when people reinvented themselves. It fed the fires of speculation even more and gave them weeks of material, if not longer. They’d be talking about my divor
ce and the sale of Mad Mode for the months to come, and as soon as that wave died down, I’d have my new line ready to show them not that I was back in the game, but that I’d never left.

  It would be perfect. I couldn’t wait to tell Nate and Weed that she was in and start making plans. I had a few ideas that I was saving to present them with. Names and logos were at the top of that lists.

  Liss stepped out of the bathroom and turned around so I could zip up her dress. “You look amazing, Alice.”

  “As do you. Where’s your gold cap?” She stared into my mouth. “I noticed you’d taken it out. Did Victoria win that in the divorce too?” She covered her mouth and laughed as I rolled my eyes.

  I pulled her close and kissed her cheek. “Are you a comedian now?”

  She stepped away to the mirror to put on her earrings. “Too soon?”

  “No, and for your information, the days of my persona are over. I’d like to be taken seriously for a change, and with you by my side, we’ll make a fresh statement.”

  “I’ll miss it, but my father will be glad. He hated the tooth and said it made you look like a punk.”

  “I can see where he’s coming from. Perhaps he’ll think I’m more respectable tonight. Oh, and I’m going to insist on paying, so be ready for that.” Her old man was just old school enough to give me an argument about it, but I wasn’t going to hear of it.”

  “Please promise you won’t pick a fight with him. You’ll have to pick your battles with Daddy.”

  I waved a hand dismissively. “Nah, you’ll see. I’ve got him wrapped around my little finger.” I held up my pinky, and she laughed.

  “Your confidence is scary at times. Did you put my bag in the car?”

  “Yes, and I told you, we have an understanding, the two of us.”

  “An understanding. Right.” She laughed as she took my hand and we headed out to join her dad for dinner.