by Cary Hart
I knew he dated. I mean a guy like him…six foot three, dark hair, ocean blue eyes and a body built to perfection. He is the perfect male. Top it off with an amazing personality and sense of humor, and he’s a keeper. Jessica was stupid for cheating on him.
His fingers now dip along the waistband of my boy-shorts. Rubbing along the band, burning a permanent path.
“She never said you called,” he says softly. “Nothing happened. She came by to get something she left in the closet.”
“Anyways…let’s not get off the subject here. It’s been a hectic week, and my life was filled with lots of drama, so keep up.”
“Okay, I’m all ears.”
“Let’s see, where did we leave off?” I check off the list. “Car, Jessica…Oh! My sister broke her foot and needs surgery, and her boyfriend is giving her a hard time about not having insurance.”
“How’s Nina? Is she still with the same guy?”
How does he do it? He has to be the only guy who actually listens. I talk about Nina all the time and her asshole of a boyfriend she’s had since high school, but they’ve never met.
“Yeah same guy, but she called me up and told me she was taking online courses to get her interior design degree.”
“That’s good.”
“Yeah, well I thought that too, but apparently she is terrified of him finding out. She used their savings to pay for the courses, and since she did that, the money isn’t available for her hospital bill.”
“Kid, if she is scared of him, are you sure he isn’t hurting her?” The worry in his eyes is sincere.
“I don’t know Gavin. That’s what has me tied up in knots. She asked me for the money, and I didn’t have it. I just paid a pretty good chunk on my own school loans. I didn’t have the heart to tell her.”
“Niki, so you are flat broke, car’s in the shop and worried about your sister. Why didn’t you come to me? I could have fixed your car and loaned you the money. That’s what friends do.”
No, Gavin…friends don’t touch each other the way you touch me.
Where did that come from? The wine. I’m going to blame the wine and forget I ever thought that.
“I couldn’t tell you because you would have helped.” The statement seems so stupid now that I said it out loud.
“Seriously? Do you hear yourself right now? That is the craziest thing you have ever said.” He laughs.
“Shut it!” I reach up and smack his chest.
“Come here.” He pulls me even closer. “Let me help you.”
“I don’t need your help anymore.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them, slapping him.
“Well, okay then.”
“No, that’s not exactly what I meant.” I reach up, my hand cupping his cheek. “My pride got in the way. It’s the only excuse I have, but tonight, Aiden came in and offered me a job.”
Taking a few deep breaths he closes his eyes. “Yes, you told me a little bit about this job, but I would like to know a little more.”
“I’m getting sleepy, and I still have to pack.” I push myself up onto my elbows, looking at the mess I created.
“Don’t worry, we will get you packed before it’s time to go. So, fill me in because right now, I’m concerned about this new opportunity.”
“Well, he offered me fifty thousand for the summer. The catch is, I have to be available twenty-four seven. Picking up dry cleaning, fetching coffee, keeping his schedule and attending some of the events as his business escort. Now before you start quoting ‘Pretty Woman,’ just hear me out. I already gave him tons of shit about the escort part. He actually offered me this job on our dinner date, but I jumped to conclusions and told him to call Heidi Fleiss.”
“You know she has already been shut down, served her sentence and is a free woman…right?”
“Now I do, but at the time, it was funny as hell. I totally didn’t give a shit. I gave him a verbal lashing. Anyways, I wasn’t going to accept, but given the week I had and the call from my sister, I felt I didn’t have any other choice.”
“Nik, I know for a fact that you have two amazing best friends who would do just about anything for you if you let them in.”
“I know.”
“I know you know, but I need you to let your guard down for once and let us take care of you.” His hands now trail up the back of my tank, rubbing soft circles.
“That feels so good. You better stop before I fall asleep.”
“Shhh…here, turn over.” He rolls me over after I don’t budge. “Go to sleep.” He begins to massage the tension out. “Let me take care of you. You need this.”
“I can’t. Sleep. Must pack.” My words stumble, eyes close.
“I’ll set my alarm, don’t worry. You need sleep if you are starting your new job tomorrow.”
“If you insist.” My eyes close, breathing slows.
I let myself fall, knowing he was here to catch me.
Gavin
Nothing good is going to come from her taking this job, but if I try to stop her, she’ll probably hate me and mark me as the enemy.
This Aiden guy has a hidden agenda. No one, especially a man of his caliber, hires some Joe Blow off the streets to be his personal assistant. He wants her, and if buying her is the way to get her, consider it mission accomplished.
I just hope Niki doesn’t get pulled under. That she goes into this with eyes wide open and sees him for what he truly is.
For me, I can’t do a thing. Fighting for her will only push her away. Confessing my feelings when she isn’t ready to hear them will send her running. Niki will eventually see what we have, but for now, I’ll take these stolen moments, branding them to memory.
I lie awake, watching her sleep, counting down the minutes until she has to leave. Her hair is sprawled over the pillow, her breaths deep and shallow, a whisper of a snore escaping her parted lips. Her tank top is riding up, resting underneath her breasts, and her legs are curled around mine.
I could stay like this forever.
Dozing off myself, I’m quickly awakened by the alarm I set. Prying myself away, I get up to start the coffee and finish packing her things. Everything is laid out; I just have to get it in the two bags, and by looking at the piles, that could be a tad bit of a challenge.
Not a problem.
Niki
“Hey sleepy-head. Time to get up.” Gavin’s voice seems a little too chipper for just waking up.
“Just a few more minutes.” Keeping my eyes closed, I reach around for an extra pillow to shield my eyes and quiet his demands.
“No can do. Time to get going.” I feel the side of my bed dip. “Here, drink this.” He hands me my spill proof mug. “Spare some lives, why don’t you?” He chuckles.
“Shaw, back the fuck up! Why are you so chipper?” I reach for my phone, noticing the time. “Is this some kind of joke? In case you forgot…I never…I repeat…NEVER get up this early unless I have a meeting or it’s…” Realization sets in. “Oh, shit, Gav.” I fly up out of bed, thankful for the spill proof mug. “I have to get ready. Oh, my God. I still have to pack.”
Running to the closet, I pull out the outfit I had laid out and head to the shower then run back. “Gavin, I don’t know what to do first? Do I get ready or pack?”
“Breathe, kid. Look.” He points over to the door. “Done.”
Taking a long gulp of my coffee, welcoming the burn, I try to decipher what he’s saying. “I’m afraid you need to translate that. I’ve only had one sip of coffee. I get smarter as the day goes on.”
“I woke up a couple hours ago and packed your bags.” He sits there casually, like it wasn’t a big deal, but he packed my bags. My bags. A woman.
“But we have…things,” I tell him awkwardly.
“You practically had everything laid out or, well, thrown everywhere. Plus, you forget; I have a sister, and I’m pretty familiar with you, so those things were taken care of.”
“You sure about that?” I stare him down,
eyes squinting while I walk over to my nightstand, opening the drawer. “Noooo, you didn’t,” I gasp.
“Yes, I did. Three weeks is a long time.” He lifts his hand up, rubbing his scruff. “I do have to wonder though. Does it count as cheating when you have so many?”
“Gavin Taylor Shaw!” I reach over, grab a decorative pillow and toss it across the room. “Stay out of my nightstand, and NO, it’s not cheating. And I don’t even need all of them.”
“Nik, it’s totally cool. Actually, it’s sexy as hell to find your stash. I mean, I knew you had it, but keeping it in your nightstand? That’s such a cliché thing to do and not like you at all.”
“Whatever…it’s just…I’m not exactly the girl everyone thinks I am. You know.” I’m suddenly embarrassed that it’s been a while.
“You don’t have to explain to me. I know exactly who you are.” He’s up and crossing the room, taking my coffee. “Go. Shower, and I’ll make one of these for you to go.”
“What would I ever do without you?”
“Kid, I don’t ever want to find out.”
Another moment passes, left untouched.
Rushing around, I’m ready in record-breaking time. I opt for a black wrap dress and heels, loose bun and minimal makeup, with the exception of the classic red lip.
“I think I’m about ready.” I grab my cell phone and head into the front room where Gavin is still shirtless, sitting at the island, going through my stack of magazines. “You ever going to put on a shirt?” I’m only half joking.
Seeing his bare chest does things to me. Things I would never admit to anyone but my three friends in the nightstand.
“I’ll put one on after you leave. I thought I had an extra shirt over here, but I guess I took them all home the last time you did laundry.”
“What happened to the one last night?”
“Hello? It smelled like scotch. You wanted me to take it off so you didn’t have to smell me,” he says, which jogs my memory.
“That’s right. Anyways. I just received an alert that the driver is close.” I throw my bag over my shoulder and head toward the door.
“Hey. Don’t you think you are forgetting something?” Gavin’s arms are open wide.
“Such a girl.” I shake my head and go back to give him a hug goodbye.
“Don’t get me wrong; the hug is nice, and I may have been a little pissed if I didn’t get one before you left, but I was meaning your coffee.” He brings the yummy goodness between us. “I know how you get.”
“Oh. Yeah...thanks.” I back away, a little embarrassed.
“Who’s the girl now?” He does a little dance while throwing his fingers in my direction. “You!” Then, he nods toward the window. “Well, kid, looks like your ride is here. Your driver looks a little irritated.”
“Shit! I gotta go.” Throwing the door open, I wheel my bags behind me.
“Let me get those.”
“I got them.” I keep trucking along.
“I know you do, but I want to help.” He takes both bags, throwing the handles of one around his neck, and carries both suitcases to the car. Leaving me standing there. Speechless.
All my life, I felt I had to do it all. Take care of everyone. Prove myself to anyone who ever doubted me. Sometimes I forget it’s okay to take a step back and let others take responsibility. Gavin, he lets me do exactly that.
Tossing the bags in the trunk, he opens the back door of the car, I’m sure upsetting Tony. “Please, be careful. Text me when you get to the airport, when you take off and land and when you get to the hotel.”
“Yes, Dad.”
“I’m serious. Check in daily, or Aubrey and I will send a search party out for you.”
“Shit, I haven’t even told Aubrey. I’ll call her tomorrow and fill her in.”
“Miss Sanders, we need to leave now, or we will miss the flight,” Tony interrupts, trying to keep us on schedule. “Mr. Alexander waits for no one.”
“You heard Tony. I have to go.”
I reach up to give Gavin a peck goodbye, but as I stretch up, he begins to say something, so his lips are parted. We connect. It was supposed to be a meaningless kiss. One that would show him he would be missed, but this…it felt different. Both cautious not to move, standing still for mere seconds, but the moment feels like a lifetime of unspoken promises. Scared of the emotions, I break away first and slide into the backseat.
“Miss, we really have to go,” Tony says as he shuts the door.
Rolling down my window, I see Gavin standing there. Still.
“I’ll text you in a few.” I reach my hand out for his, but Tony pulls off, and Gavin remains there, slowly fading until he is gone.
Niki
When Aiden said we were flying out today, I thought I was just meeting him at the airport and we would fly out together. I figured maybe, he would splurge for us both to fly first class. What I didn’t expect was a private jet filled with Xandros Pharmaceuticals executives.
“Miss Sanders, what a pleasure to have you flying with us today.” The flight attendant directs me past the rest of the passengers and to the back of the plane. “Mr. Alexander will be boarding shortly. In the meantime he wanted to make sure you were taken care of. Please take a seat. Is there anything that I can get you? Espresso, Bloody Mary?” She holds her hand out toward a cream-colored leather chair. I’m guessing from the looks of this jet, it’s Italian, sparing no expense. Everything looks custom to their needs.
“Espresso, please, triple shot. It’s been one of those mornings.” I let out a chuckle.
“I see. Triple shot coming right up.” She turns and heads toward the kitchen.
“Looks like you finally made it.” The rumble of Aiden’s voice startles me.
“I did.” Ignoring his accusatory tone, I decide to dive in with my million questions. “So, do you care to elaborate on where we are going, where we will be staying and our agenda? For me to be able to do my job, I need to be briefed while in flight.”
“New York, Four Seasons and your agenda is what I tell you it is.” His tone is different from the other night when he practically begged me to take this job.
Well, maybe he didn’t beg me, but he did approach me twice in that ‘I’m a multi-millionaire’ kind of way, and that is kind of begging. I think.
“Well then, that solves that.” I finally take a seat. Aiden looks around, unbuttons his jacket, and takes the seat across from me.
“Miss Sanders, your espresso.” The flight attendant hands me my coffee, and I make quick work of it, downing two of the three shots. “Mr. Alexander, I made it just the way you like it.” Her fingers wrap around his, while handing him the special order.
“Thank you, Christina. That will be all for now.” He watches her disappear down the aisle, and I slam the rest of my espresso back.
Another life spared.
“Miss Sanders, I’m not sure if I made myself clear the other night. You are here for me and me only. You are not employed by Xandros Pharmaceuticals; you are employed by me. I write your check. You answer to only me. Do you understand?”
“Do I need to fill out any paperwork?”
“Do you want to pay taxes on fifty thousand dollars?”
“No.”
“Then, no.” He looks me over, taking a sip of his coffee. “Damn, that’s hot.”
Rolling my eyes, I fight the urge to reach over and take his cup and down the rest, showing him how it’s done. Just like I tell Aubrey: Coffee is not for sipping. It’s for getting stuff done. Drink the shit. Take the world by the balls, and hold on tight.
“Do you need some ice?” I mentally beg him to say no.
“No, I’m good. Did you drink your triple already?”
“Yeah, it was either that or end your life. I chose the coffee.” I shrug my shoulders, clearly making a joke, but he doesn’t react.
Nothing but a blank stare.
“That was a joke,” I say, throwing my hands in the air. “I thought you did you
r research? Aiden, I’m not a morning person. Actually, I’m pretty murderous before I fully wake up, which is where the coffee comes into play. Coffee saves lives. So what I just said, that is what I like to call a joke. You laugh, I laugh and so on.”
“Not funny.”
They announce that we have ten minutes before takeoff.
Standing up, he stretches before he buttons his jacket and grabs his coffee. “I have a meeting shortly after we take off. I’m afraid I have nothing for you to do until we land. Oh, and I forgot to tell you. We have to make a stop in D.C. first. We won’t land in New York until tonight.” He walks off.
Not only is this going to be one hell of a day but a long summer.
I’m not exactly sure how this whole pharmaceutical business works, but apparently, when you are the sole heir of the founder of the company, you are kind of a big deal. Meaning, special entrance big deal.
“Mr. Alexander, welcome to the Four Seasons. I’m Charlie, and I’ll be your designated guest’s manager.” Charlie holds out his hand in greeting, but Aiden walks past him, a silent demand for all to follow.
“Did the wardrobe arrive?”
“Yes, sir. It arrived a few hours ago. I can personally guarantee that everything on the list has been—”
“Good; that’s all for now,” Aiden cuts him off as we enter the private elevator.
“Thank you, sir. Thank you for choosing the Four—” The doors close, cutting poor Charlie off once again.
If Aiden wants to make nice with the FDA, then he needs to work on his people skills. Mental note. Make this dud a stud.
Did I just think that? I did. Where’s the coffee?
When we reach the top floor, the door opens to our room.
“Finally, now we can relax.” Aiden walks in, leading the way. “Do you want something to drink or do you want to lay down for a few minutes before we have to leave?”
Who is this guy, and what did he do with Aiden?
“I’m good. I think I’m just going to stretch and look around.” I let my eyes wander, taking in the once-in-a-lifetime hotel accommodations.
“Sure thing. I just need to make a quick phone call, and then I’m all yours.” He gets out his phone. “Hey, Sam, we made it. Just a little earlier than planned. Yes.” Aiden pauses covering the mic. “Upstairs, there is a huge walk-in closet. Can you lay out a suit in the bathroom for me for this evening? Your dresses are in there as well. Pick something that compliments the suit.” He goes back to talking, mouthing, “Thank you.”