by L. K. Lewis
I had forgotten how fun Adrian is to be with and how easily our conversations always progress. I made a promise to myself not to bring up work and our companies’ impending contracts. I want to spend the evening reacquainting myself with Adrian on a friendship level, and catch up on what we had missed after falling out of each other’s lives after our breakup a few years ago. When Adrian starts talking about taking over as CEO after his father’s heart attack, I decide not to steer the conversation in a different direction. He speaks of his fear of losing his father so soon into adulthood, and his daily struggle to keep the business afloat. He is so passionate about seeing his vision for saving Thompson Manufacturing through. It’s evident that he cares for the loyal employees who have stuck with the company through thick and thin, and I find myself totally enraptured by everything he’s saying. Although business was a subject I really wanted to avoid tonight, Adrian isn’t speaking about our business relationship, he’s bringing me up to date about what is going on in his life. He’s letting me back in. As happy as this is making me, all I’m thinking about is how I wish it was Drake sitting before me at the table, letting me in.
“I’m sorry, Morgan, I’ve been rambling on and on all night. Tell me what you have been up to since … well, since we broke up I guess.” I can see the sadness in Adrian’s eyes when he mentions our breakup. I never meant to hurt him. I knew he was ready to take the next step as we were getting ready to graduate college. He had asked me to move in with him, and I felt a proposal was just around the corner. I wasn’t ready. I needed to get through grad school on my own, and was afraid I’d get sidetracked by a wedding, then babies, and I wasn’t ready to give up my dreams. I loved Adrian, but deep down, I also knew he wasn’t the one. Moving in with him would have only made our eventual breakup harder, so I ended things. We were both heartbroken, and hadn’t spoken since graduation. That is, of course, until last week’s meet and greet.
“There’s not much to tell, Really. After graduation Amanda and I spent the summer traveling Europe before we both started grad school. These last two years have been a blur mostly. I threw myself into my business courses and never really came up for air ‘til I graduated again this spring. My parents surprised me with a trip to the Côte d’Azur, and I started with Baylor Industries shortly after we returned. I’ve just started to feel settled with the company, and I really like it there. Your company is actually my first account.”
“I’m so glad it is. Not just for personal reasons, of course. You really have a sharp mind, Morgan. Without sounding condescending, I’m really proud of you. I put full company trust into your hands. I really think working together is going to be very beneficial for the both of us.”
“I couldn’t agree more. Miss Lane has proven to be very beneficial.” I hadn’t even noticed Drake approaching our table.
“Good evening, Mr. Baylor.” I seethed.
“Miss Lane, Mr. Thompson, sorry to interrupt your dinner. I was on my way to the restrooms and almost didn’t notice you while passing your table.” Drake was trying to act aloof, but I had already seen right through him.
“Drake, how nice to run into you. Morgan and I were just about to order a nightcap, care to join us?” Adrian sounded annoyed, but his prep school upbringing would never allow his manners to sway.
“Thanks for the offer, Adrian, but I’m on a date. Like I said, I was just passing your table and wanted to stop by and say hello. You two enjoy your evening,” Drake said with a smile, and then he was gone. I’m really starting to get used to the sight of him leaving.
Adrian and I order our nightcaps, and the rest of the evening goes on without further interruption. I excuse myself to go freshen up as Adrian pays the bill. I’m almost at the restroom when a hand grabs me by the elbow and pulls me into what appears to be a linen closet.
Drake locks the door and pins me between his hands against the wall. His breath is heavy in my ear and his erection is pressed firmly into my belly.
“Are you trying to drive me crazy, Morgan?” He moans into my ear as he lowers his hands to firmly cup my breasts. “What are you doing on a date with Thompson, I thought you were mine?” He mumbles as he trails kisses from my neck down my jawline. His lips are about to meet mine when I pull away, this time breathless with anger, not lust.
“I’m driving you crazy? What about you? I’m having dinner with an old friend, you are on a date with the golf cart girl from the club. How could you, Drake?”
“How could I? What about you? You pretended not to know Adrian at the lunch meeting last week, now you are calling him an old friend. Which is it, Morgan? Why would you act like strangers? What do you have to do with Thompson bringing his business to my father’s company?”
Did Drake really just ask me that?
“You know my father got me the job with your dad’s company, and until about five seconds ago, I felt very fortunate to be working with you. To answer your questions, Drake, Adrian was my college boyfriend. I broke things off with him before we graduated. He wanted to get serious, and I wanted grad school. I had no idea he would be bringing his company’s business to Baylor, but you should thank your lucky stars he has because I’m pretty sure my being on the account sealed the deal, and your father now stands to make a considerable amount of money because of it. I pretended to have just met Adrian because I didn’t want our past relationship to hinder our chances of working with his company. Another thing; yes I told you I was yours, and I meant it, but that was right before you told me we didn’t stand a chance of being together, so I guess I’m not really yours now, am I? Why would I want to give myself to you anymore when you have such disregard for me or my feelings? May I remind you that although I’m out to dinner with someone I consider to be an old friend, you are on an actual date! A fucking date, Drake! With the same girl you started flirting with just moments after declaring we would never be a couple, which was just seconds after I offered you my heart. So don’t you dare try to throw that in my face. I’m not yours, Drake, and according to you I never will be, so step aside and let me out of this goddamn closet you so rudely pulled me into, I have to get back to my friend.” I turn and leave without looking back. I barely make it to the restroom before the tears start to fall. I am so done with crying over Drake. I quickly compose myself and return to the table.
“You were gone for a while, are you feeling okay?” Adrian asks as I return to the table.
“I’m fine. Thanks for dinner, Adrian, I had a really nice time. I think I’m just a little tired from this week, I think I should head home. I still have work tomorrow morning.” Shit. I have to work tomorrow. Is it too soon to call in sick? I really need some distance from Drake right now and a three-day weekend sounds just about perfect.
“I had a great time too. Thanks for joining me, can we do this again soon?” Adrian asks as he helps me into my coat.
“Yes, I’d like that,” I reply as a yawn escapes me. I must be more tired than I realized. “You’re beat, Morgan, let’s get you home.”
Always the gentleman, Adrian walks me to my apartment door, and gives me a swift kiss on the cheek before heading back to his car. I’m in my bed and asleep about three minutes later.
Drake
What the fuck was I thinking pulling that stunt at the restaurant? Why would I think trying to make Morgan jealous would be a good idea? Even if it worked, Morgan is clearly not a girl who plays games. I’m pretty sure I just pushed her further into Adrian’s arms. She assured me they were just friends, but that was also in the same breath where she assured me we would never happen. What was with that stunt pulling her into that linen closet? Could I be more tacky? I have got to regain control of myself before I lose Morgan for good and my life comes crashing down again. I have to figure something out. I need Morgan in my life, that’s the only way I feel whole. That has to be the reason why I can’t stay away. I’ll make a plan, then crawl on my knees begging Morgan for forgiveness. I need her to be mine.
Chapter 10
> Morgan
I’ve decided to put my big girl pants on and go to work. Although a three-day weekend seems like everything I need right now, Drake will still be there on Monday. Even if it means ignoring him all day today, I still need to face this work day head on and prove to him that I am a professional who can still handle working with him, even if he and I are clearly not working.
Drake
I haven’t formulated a complete plan, but I spent the majority of last night thinking of ways to make Morgan mine. Instead of thinking of things I could do to win her over, I decided to reflect on my previous behavior, and think of things that were pushing her away. She had mentioned a few times that my cold behavior confused and upset her. Clearly playing games like trying to make her jealous is never going to work. The only thing that draws her to me is when I cut the bullshit and act like myself. Starting today, that is exactly what I am going to do. No bullshit, no games, just Drake Baylor. I’ll have to tone down the mushy love declarations in the office, of course, but I’m no longer going to be the cold asshole around her. I’m not like that with any other staff, I don’t need to treat her poorly to prove to anyone else that nothing is going on.
Morgan
I’m glad I decided to go into work. I keep my head held high as I walk into my weekly wrap up meeting with Drake, and proceed to behave like a professional adult. To my surprise, Drake behaves himself as well. Although his normal subtle flirtations cease, he is cordial, attentive, and even appreciative of my input.
When the meeting adjourns, I make my normal retreat into the elevator. I’m a bit startled and apprehensive when Drake steps in to join me.
“Morgan, great input during our meeting, you really are an asset to our team.” Drake says, smiling down at me.
“Thank you, Mr. Baylor,” I say, returning his smile.
“I’ve told you, it’s okay to call me Drake.”
“You said it was okay to call you Drake outside of the office, Mr. Baylor. While we are at work, I need to respect your position and maintain formalities.” I do my best to keep any anger from my tone. Apparently I’m still stinging from last night.
“Very well, Miss Lane. What are your plans for the weekend? Is it okay to have an informal conversation while at the office but between floors?” Drake is teasing me. I think this is his way of apologizing for last night’s rude behavior. Although I’d really appreciate a formal apology, I’ll take his sweet disposition over his cold distant façade any day.
“Of course it’s okay to ask, Mr. Baylor.” I look up at his beautiful face, maintaining a carefree smile. “I don’t really have plans for the weekend yet, I’m most likely going to lay low at home tonight, then maybe some shopping tomorrow with my best friend Amanda. She was the one at the bar with me last week. I really just want to relax over the next two days,” I continue as the elevator doors open to the 15th floor.
“Well enjoy your weekend, Miss Lane, I look forward to more of your clever insight during our staff meeting Monday morning,” Drake says as I step out of the elevator, the doors closing behind me. Did he just ride the elevator to talk to me? I really hope he is letting me go, and that was just his form of apology. I don’t think I can take more of his hot and cold behavior, maybe that was his way of showing me things would be different from here on out. One can only hope.
*****
I go directly home after work, and sip a glass of wine while I lounge on the couch and watch some old Friends reruns. After an hour or so, I decide to turn the TV off and start a nice relaxing bath. I light some candles, pour my favorite bubble bath in, and slide into the tub.
I’ve only been soaking for a few minutes when I hear a knock on my door. I’m not expecting company so I decide to ignore it, figuring whoever it is has the wrong apartment. A few seconds later the knocking continues. Determined not to let the obnoxious knocker pull me from my Zen moment, I decide to answer my door quickly and kindly direct them to the right apartment. I figure the sooner the knocking stops, the sooner I can return to my warm, sweet-scented bliss. I towel off and throw my little silk robe on. It’s a little too skimpy to be answering the door in, but like I said, I wasn’t expecting company. I open my door, only to find Drake standing at my threshold with a large bouquet of Stargazer lilies (how did he find out my favorite flower?) in one hand, and a shopping bag of groceries in the other. He’s wearing dark skinny jeans, a black fitted V-neck T-shirt, and black vintage Vans. He looks carefree, young, and super delicious. The man can wear a suit like no other, but he does the hipster look just as well.
“Morgan, I hope I’m not interrupting anything. May I come in please?” he asks, stepping into my apartment before I can even answer.
“Drake, what are you doing here?” I’m in pure shock that he’s in my home, and also a little embarrassed that he caught me wearing a robe that barely covers my butt.
“I feel terrible that I ruined your dinner last night, and I thought maybe I could make it up to you with some beautiful flowers, a great bottle of wine, and a home cooked meal?”
“The flowers are absolutely beautiful, Drake, thank you for them, but I really don’t know if it’s a good idea for you to be here. This has to be crossing some sort of line.” I needed to put that out there before he drew me in again only to shut me out.
“I’m sure there will always be lines we are crossing as long as we spend time together, Morgan, but we are out of the office. I treated you poorly last night and ruined your evening, and I want to make it up to you. Please let me cook you dinner. I’m not good at apologizing, but I want you to know how sorry I am for the way I’ve treated you. I lay awake all last night analyzing everything you said. I want you to know I took every word you said to heart. Please let me stay, Morgan, what do you say?”
My Zen moment might be ruined, but I’ll take Drake Baylor and a home cooked meal over it anytime. I just have to make sure not to get my hopes up and my heart trampled … again.
I close the distance between Drake and I, resting my hand on his chest. “You can stay, Drake. I appreciate you making me dinner and bringing me flowers, that’s really sweet. The kitchen is right through the doorway to your right. What are you cooking me?”
Drake instantly relaxes, a smile crossing his beautiful face. “Well, I guess I should clarify that I’m not exactly cooking your dinner. I’m a terrible cook actually.” He laughs “I called Vines on 3rd and asked them to prepare double the portions of what you ordered last night, but I’ll be grilling the steaks myself so they aren’t overdone. I just have to warm the rest in your oven. Please tell me you have a grill?” Drake says in his teasing tone.
“I have a little hibachi on my terrace, does that count? The family next door has a grill, maybe you can use theirs?”
“The hibachi will be just fine.” Drake smiles as he unpacks the groceries onto my kitchen counter. He turns around, resting his hands on my waist. “More importantly, where is your wine key?” I love this side of Drake. This is the sweet, attentive side that refills my water glass during meetings just so his fingers can brush against mine. He may not realize I notice that, but there is no way I couldn’t, my whole body ignites under his touch.
“I can’t believe you brought me a replacement dinner from last night,” I say as I open the bottle of wine.
Drake now stands behind me, with one hand resting on my belly, the other sweeping my hair to the side. I lean my head slightly, granting him more access to my neck. In between kisses and nibbles he sighs then pauses. “I told you I feel terrible that I ruined your meal. The way I acted was inexcusable, Morgan. I hate myself for the way I’ve treated you these past few weeks. This dinner is just one of the many ways I hope to show you that I’m really not a bad guy. I just haven’t felt this way about anyone before and I wasn’t sure how to deal with it. Obviously I went about it the wrong way, but I intend to change that.” Drake takes a sip of the wine I’ve just poured, and turns away to set my oven to preheat.
As Drake prepares our dinne
r, I excuse myself to my bedroom. I change out of my robe into my sexiest lacy bra and panty set, my favorite dark wash skinny jeans, and a brown low-cut cashmere sweater. I go into my bathroom to blow out the candles and drain my tub. After catching my reflection in the mirror, I touch up my makeup as well creating a soft romantic look with a little blush and some pale pink lip gloss.
I step into my living room just as Drake enters from the terrace. “I just pulled the steaks from the grill. The restaurant told me you ordered yours medium-rare last night, I hope that’s okay tonight as well. If not, I can throw it back on for a few minutes.” He’s being so sweet and attentive, maybe he really is trying. If this is how Drake intends to be all the time I’m really in trouble, because I’ve just fallen even harder for him. I can’t stop myself, I walk right up to Drake and kiss him. Really kiss him. Drake returns my kiss, drawing my hips closer to his. Heat begins to stir in my belly, but I pull away before things go too far. I am still reeling from Drake’s actions last night, and the fact that he is now in my living room doing his damnedest to apologize.