by L. K. Lewis
“I’d love to hit the links with you Sunday, Drake, but I’ve already asked Morgan to join me and she is very green to the sport, I’d hate to slow you down. Maybe we can get some putting in Saturday afternoon before that charity gala thing our wives are dragging us to at the club Saturday night.” Jim comes through clearly over the speaker
“No, let’s stick with Sunday Morning. Morgan is showing some great promise here, and I’d like to get to know her more. You have a great daughter, Jim, she could go really far with my company. It’s great that you are getting Morgan out on the links. Once she gets a few lessons under her belt and improves her game, perhaps I can bring her along on a few of my business outings.” My father and Jim Lane work out their plans, then hang up, and I wait a moment or two before entering his office.
“Hey, Dad. Glad I caught you, I just wanted to let you know I’m heading out for the day shortly.”
“Sounds good, Son,” my dad says, not looking up from his putting green. I was right, he loves that little office golf game. “Good work this week. Rest up over the weekend, we are going to go hard next week solidifying our contract with Thompson Manufacturing,” he says, sinking his putt.
“Speaking of this weekend, I thought maybe we could get a round or two of golf in. It’s been a while since we’ve played together, and I thought maybe we could get some fresh air and go over our strategy for next week’s meeting with Thompson,” I say, acting as though I have no clue that he will be golfing with Morgan this Sunday.
“I’m actually golfing at the club Sunday at 8am. We’ve got a threesome right now, so if you join that will make a nice even four. We won’t have much time to talk business, but you should really enjoy your weekend. You’ve been doing a great job here lately, and sticking to the rules. Come out anyway, what do you say?”
“Sounds like a plan. 8am Sunday, I’ll be there.”
Chapter 8
Morgan
Eight o’clock on a Sunday morning sounds way too early to do anything social. My dad has asked me to join him for a round of golf. He seems to think it’s a sport that everyone should know and enjoy, especially those in the business world.
“Good morning darling, you look beautiful today!” My dad says with a smile, opening his arms for one of his gigantic hugs I love so much.
“Morning, Dad. You seem chipper today, how late did Mom keep you out last night?”
“The gala was a bore, we were home by nine. We didn’t even stay for the silent auction, your mom already owns most of the stuff up for bid, and according to her, the rest of it was shit.”
“That’s funny and most likely also true! Should we get going? I’m supposed to meet Mom for brunch when we are done here,” I say, hoping I don’t seem too eager to get this whole golf thing out of the way so I could go drink my breakfast.
“We are just waiting for two more. Drake Baylor and his boy are going to join us. When I mentioned I was playing with you today, he said you have been doing a great job so far at his company and wanted to get to know you better. He thinks you could really go far, Morgan, your old man is really proud of you.”
Holy hell, I’m golfing with Drake? This is not exactly how I envisioned spending my Sunday morning. I have to deal with his mood swings all week, and was really looking forward to wrapping up my weekend with him as far from my mind as possible. I haven’t allowed myself much time this week to try to get over my feelings for him and now I’ll be with him all morning in front of our dads? Someone hit me over the head with my 5 wood now and put me out of my misery.
“Oh, here they are now!” My dad exclaims as he waves Drake and his father over. “Baylor, over here, our cart’s just pulled up.”
Drake
My heart just skipped a beat. I’d prepared myself all weekend for seeing Morgan. I rehearsed all of the casual topics of conversation I could bring up so I appeared to be normal around her. I need to prove to myself that I can be in her presence without coming off like a total tool, especially in front of my father. Fortunately, I know Morgan is green to golf, so I’ve thought of a few pointers I could show her where I’d be touching her but wouldn’t get too far into her personal space.
Here she is in front of me now, looking far too gorgeous for this early on a Sunday. She is wearing a short white skirt that appears to be more suited for tennis than golf, and it does an expert job of showing off her perfectly toned, long, tan legs. Her polo shirt fits snug along her curves, and her strawberry blonde hair is down, laying smoothly at the same level as her beautifully round, perfect breasts. Morgan catches me staring at her chest and instantly her nipples harden, while goose bumps cross her arms. I still affect her, this is good. I just have to keep myself under control and act perfectly normal all day or my dad will catch on and have my ass for supper.
Morgan
I catch Drake staring at me, as I often do, and it excites me. My parents raised me to always look my best and be perfectly put together. As a result, I’m often told that I look nice, or pretty, or beautiful, but I can honestly say that just by “appreciating” me the way he does, Drake is the first person to ever make me feel beautiful. I give him a knowing smile when our eyes meet, and make sure to give both Baylor men the same professional greeting. It is going to take a lot of willpower to keep a healthy distance from Drake this morning, especially the way he looks in his golf attire. Drake is simply dressed in black pants, a white polo and a green V-neck sweater, but something about the shade of green he is wearing makes his dark brown eyes sparkle.
The first few holes seem to go pretty well. My dad is an excellent instructor, and both of the Baylor men seem to be patient enough with a slower rate of play for the day. A course ranger, however, is not happy with the slow speed of our game and has just asked us to kindly play through to the next hole.
“You two go along to the next hole, honey, Drake Sr. and I will be along shortly. Don’t worry about the ranger, take your time teeing off. I’m sure Drake Jr. can give you some pointers on how to grip your driver,” my dad calls out.
I try to keep my cool, but the fact that my father just unknowingly encouraged alone time with Drake has my spirit soaring. I feel like I’m back in middle school and my parents just left me alone in the family room to watch a movie with my boyfriend. I nod to my dad and start to walk back to the cart, stealing a quick glance at Drake who gives me a quick smile. Good, he’s excited for a little time alone too!
Drake and I get into the golf cart and speed away. We have followed the cart path into the woods just outside of our fathers’ eyesight when Drake moves his hand from the steering wheel to my knee and squeezes gently.
“Damn,” Drake sighs with a little shake of his head. “You have the sexiest legs I’ve ever seen,” he says with a smile, rubbing his thumb over my knee. “You look absolutely gorgeous today, Morgan. I’m glad your clueless father just gave me the go ahead to take advantage of a little alone time with his beautiful daughter.”
My gaze meets his beautiful dark brown eyes, and we both smile before breaking out into a sweet but somewhat uncomfortable laugh.
“Thank you, Mr. Baylor, you look nice today too.” I respond, not knowing what else to say.
“For the love of God, Morgan, please call me Drake. Especially when we are out of the office. I’ve had my tongue down your throat and my hands all over your beautiful breasts, you should be able to call me by my first name, don’t you think?”
“I guess I’m not sure what to do or say around you. I’ve been really confused.” I suddenly feel shy around him. Maybe I’m just a little nervous for Drake to be so comfortable acting so lovingly towards me when our fathers could catch us at any moment.
Drake lifts my chin, kissing me softly. He pulls me into his side in a sweet embrace, and sighs. “I know, Morgan, I’m so sorry.” He sits back, his dark brown eyes looking directly into mine. “I meant what I said in your office the other day. I can’t get you off my mind. There is something about you that draws me in. I want so badly t
o make you mine. I’m trying to keep my distance from you, but I can’t. There is just something special about you, it’s not just your beauty, it’s something else. Maybe it’s just … you.”
I can no longer fight the urge and I allow myself to give in to Drake. I lean into him as I rest my head on his shoulder.
“I know what you mean,” I say softly. “I promised myself I’d try to keep some distance from you, but having you in the flesh like this is ruining my resolve.”
Drake wastes no time leaning down, kissing me with fire and passion. I shove my hands in his hair and pull his mouth deeper onto mine. Drake slides his hand up my leg and under my skirt. He moans as a finger slips inside my panties, slowly running up and down my folds. “Ahhh. Morgan you’re so wet, so ready. I know you want to be mine. Your body responds to me as mine does to you. I want you so much.”
“I’m yours, Drake,” I pant as his finger dips inside me. I’ve totally forgotten we are pulled over to the side of the cart path, our fathers close behind. “I want you, too,” I say as Drake pulls back again, slipping his finger from me. He holds my head with both hands and stares at me with sadness in his eyes.
“I want this so much, Morgan, it’s obvious we have an amazing connection. I need you. I’ve never needed anything more in my life. We barely know each other, yet we have this incredible magnetic pull, I don’t know how else to describe it. I just don’t know how to make this work. I heard you the other day when you said that me drawing you in then pushing you away wasn’t fair. I’m so sorry. I try to stay away but I need you. Being here today wasn’t a coincidence. I heard our fathers making these golf plans on the phone and tricked my father into inviting me to come. I can’t stay away, Morgan, but there is no other choice.”
I slide to the other side of the golf cart, hurt, and suddenly needing distance. “You can’t keep doing this to me!” I barely get out as all air is pulled from my lungs. “We have to find a way to be together, Drake, I need you too. Isn’t there some sort of form I could sign with HR?”
Drake starts the cart back down the path, bypassing the tee and continues down the fairway. Assuming our fathers will be joining us shortly, he drops his ball onto the green and grabs a club, pretending to play as our conversation continues.
“This is more than an issue with HR,” Drake starts. His voice is low and defeated. Shaking his head, he continues, “Morgan, I know it’s cliché to say this, but as much as I want you, I’m no good for you. When I told you we’d both be terminated if my father finds out about us, I wasn’t exaggerating. We don’t know much about each other yet. There is much about me I would love to show you, but so much more I hope you never learn. My past is a sordid one, filled with skeletons. I’m not working with my father because I aspire to take over his business someday. I accepted my position with him because I had run out of options, and he gave me an offer I can’t refuse. An option that comes with a lot of rules and consequences.”
I toss my ball onto the fairway and grab my 7 iron. Hurt and anger are streaming through my mind, and I swing my club with all my might. I totally miss my ball and a huge divot goes flying through the air, but I don’t care, making some sort of contact feels really good in this moment. Looking up at Drake I ask, “If you knew nothing could ever happen between us, why did you ever kiss me? Why have you said what you have? You should have just ignored your feelings, and maintained a professional relationship with me. I would have done the same. I can’t keep up with you, Drake. Your emotions run hot, and you are asking me to be yours, then in an instant you run cold, and you say it can never happen. Do you see how unfair you are being?”
“I’m so sorry, Morgan, I can’t stay away. I can’t keep my hands off you, especially when you’re wearing that hot little skirt. If I could I would, and believe me, I’ve tried. That’s why I left the bar that night. You spun around in my arms, our eyes met, and I felt you melt. I melted too. I grabbed you tight when your knees buckled and it was all I could do not to pick you up and drag you home with me. I knew we couldn’t be anything, that’s why I turned and left. I want to tell you I’m sorry for the elevator, your office, our stolen glances during meetings because I’m sorry for how they lead you on, but I’m not sorry for the fact that they happened. Even though we can never be together, I’ll never be sorry for the way you make me feel. I never knew the depth of feelings I have for you could happen to me, and it makes me so happy. If you knew my past you’d get it.”
“Then let me in, Drake. I’ve told you I’m yours, and I mean it. There is something about you, something about us that just feels right. Tell me about your past, let us sort through it together. Just don’t tell me there isn’t a chance for us.”
“There isn’t, Morgan, there just isn’t.”
“Then let me go.” I pick up my ball, grab my putter, and walk towards the hole. As far as I’m concerned this conversation, along with my chance at happiness with Drake Baylor, is over.
Drake’s cold façade is back, and although I’m trying not to let my feelings show, I’m visibly upset when our fathers catch up to us at the next tee.
“Morgan, are you okay?” My dad asks when he sees my face.
“Yes, I’m fine Dad, thanks. The sun keeps getting in my eyes, clouding my vision. I also think my competitive nature is getting the best of me and it’s taking a little longer to get the hang of this sport. I guess I’m just frustrated, that’s all. Why don’t I stick with you these last few holes, maybe I can improve under your guidance.”
I stick with my dad for the rest of the game, not making eye contact with Drake. I try not to show how upset I am when Drake flirts with the beverage cart girl, and blame the tears that escape on the sun again. I know we will never be together, but for the love of God, at least wait until our round of golf is over to hit on a new girl.
*****
I’m returning my clubs to my car and grabbing my sundress and some makeup to freshen up for brunch when I hear a familiar voice call out my name.
“Morgan, I thought that was you, were you out golfing? I never thought I’d see the day!” Adrian Thompson is approaching me with a huge smile on his face.
“Hey!” I reply a little too enthusiastically. I take a deep breath and tone my voice down a notch. “My father is teaching me to play. He says it’s important for business that I know the sport.”
“Your father is absolutely right. Why don’t you hit the putting greens with me right now? Maybe I can teach you a few of my moves!” Adrian has never been shy when it comes to me and his moves.
“I have to meet my mom for brunch in the clubhouse now, sorry,” I say as I walk away. Turning back I catch Adrian staring at me. “And Adrian? I’m pretty sure I’m well acquainted with your moves!” I smile and turn back towards the clubhouse.
“I’m not so sure you remember my moves,” Adrian shouts after me. “Let’s have dinner Thursday night and I’ll try to jog your memory!”
I nod emphatically while I continue to walk away. Adrian can’t see my smile, but I’m absolutely beaming. Maybe this is all I need to get over Drake. My smile falls just thinking of him. Will I get ever get over what I never really had with him?
“How about Vines on 3rd … 7.30 sound good? I’ll pick you up!” Adrian shouts out again. I continue to nod as I walk into the clubhouse. I lift my hand and wave as I walk through the door, not looking back, but still beaming.
Drake
Did Morgan really just accept a dinner date invitation that was shouted to her across a parking lot? And with Adrian Thompson no less. I knew there was something between them. Why did she act like they had never met during our meet and greet last week? Way to go, Drake, push the love of your life away, and send her right into the arms of what appears to be a former flame. A former flame that is soon to be a new client for your father’s firm! Genius move. It looks like I’ll be calling that cart girl for a date after all. I shouldn’t have been flirting with her in front of my dad at all, and as asshole-ish as this may sound, I wan
ted to upset Morgan so she would move on from me.
Chapter 9
Morgan
Thursday is finally here. I couldn’t be more excited for my date tonight with Adrian. I’m not looking to rekindle any romance with him, that ship has long since sailed. This week has been hell at work. Spending long hours with Drake going over plans and contracts for Thompson Industries (Adrian’s company no less), while trying to move from any feelings I have for him has been torture. I’m looking forward to dinner with an old friend. I have to make sure not to return Adrian’s flirtations. He has made it clear during our last few encounters that his feelings for me have never changed. If I said the word, I’m sure he’d have me back in his bed and in his life in a matter of seconds, and I don’t want to lead him on. Professionally, it wouldn’t be prudent to start a personal relationship with a client of mine. Personally, I’ve spent far too many moments crying over Drake, mourning the loss of the relationship that never even began with him. I meant it when I said I was his. It’ll be a long time before I can get over him, if ever.
Drake
Thank God Morgan and Adrian have finally arrived. Lisa, the cart girl from Sunday, and I have been at the restaurant since 7.15. I didn’t want to show up at the same time, or else Morgan would realize this wasn’t a coincidence. I want to be seated with a cocktail in hand, deep in conversation with Lisa when Morgan notices we are here. I’m assuming she won’t acknowledge my presence, so I’ll wait ‘til the perfect moment to excuse myself to the restroom, and casually approach their table. That moment can’t come soon enough, though. Lisa is only one glass of wine into the evening and already getting sloppy. I’ll have to ask our waiter for a bread basket next time he passes our table. With my luck, she’ll be one of those girls who has sworn off carbs. Great for her figure, bad for me!
Morgan
You. Have. To. Be. Kidding. Me. Why is Drake here? This can’t be a coincidence. How did he find out about my date? I didn’t even tell my mom or Amanda about it. Of course he brought the golf cart girl from the club with him. Why is he trying to hurt me like this? I get it, we can’t be together. That is hurt enough on its own without shoving his date in my face. I understand that I’m on a date too, but I don’t intend to get into Adrian’s pants at the end of the night. The cart girl on the other hand is practically shoving her tits in his face, while hand feeding him the bread basket. I don’t even see what he sees in her. She isn’t that pretty, and is obviously lacking social graces. Holy crap, I’m jealous. Is that what Drake is trying to do? He found out about my date with Adrian and he is trying to make me jealous with “Miss Big Tits 2013”? Well, he has succeeded. I’m jealous, but I’m also mad as hell. I’m going to be the bigger person here, and just ignore them for the rest of the evening. I’ve been looking forward to dinner this whole week and I’m not going to let Drake Baylor ruin another moment.