by Adele Huxley
His chest rose and fell as he took a few deep breaths, visibly fighting back tears. “Come here,” he choked out. He pulled me towards the pillow and lay my head against his chest. We wrapped our arms around each other and lay there feeling more together and more apart than ever before. I didn’t want to move. I never wanted to leave that place. If it’d been possible, we would’ve built a wall around that room and never left each other. And for a few minutes, we pretended we’d done just that.
There was a knock on the door. “Hey guys,” Liz called out. “I just made some pizza if you want to come down and have lunch.”
I sighed and nuzzled closer. The world keeps spinning and we have to keep moving. “We’ll be right down.”
Miah kissed my forehead, the slightest scratch of his stubble on my skin. I was going to miss him so much my chest already ached. I slid from the bed and stood in front of him, wedging myself between his knees and wrapping my arms around his neck.
“I’m coming back,” I insisted.
He pressed his lips together and nodded. “I believe you.” As I walked away, he grabbed my hand and pulled me back. I gasped as I collided with his chest, but he gave me no time to react. His mouth was hot and insistent on mine this time, capturing my lips with a hunger I might’ve given into if Liz and Bryan weren’t waiting downstairs. A tiny groan escaped my throat. With a hand on his chest, I pushed away.
“I’m not sad you’re leaving,” he said with a tiny smile, “because I’m looking forward to welcoming you back.”
June 17th
Driving back into Tellure Hollow was beyond surreal. As I swung my Jeep onto Main Street, the mountain looming large in the distance, it dawned on me I’d never been here in the summer. The town looked so different not buried under ten feet of snow!
I slowed to see the progress with Walt’s shop. A huge dumpster sat out front, filled with the charred remains of the interior. Bryan and Liz said the insurance would pay out enough for him to get it built back up, but they weren’t sure he was up to running it anymore. This past winter had taken a lot out of all of us, him most of all.
The wind whipped my hair around as I sped out of town and towards Liz and Bryan’s house at the foot of the mountain. I was genuinely excited to be back and looking forward to the summer and year to come.
I didn’t see their cars in the drive, but Bryan had insisted I come right up to the house as soon as I arrived in town.
“Someone will be home, I promise. Can’t wait to have you,” he’d left on my voicemail.
With a bag slung over my shoulder, I climbed the familiar stairs, only this time I pushed pine needles away with my toes instead of snow and ice. After a couple knocks on the door, I tested the doorknob and found it open.
“Hello?” I called out as I stuck my head in.
“Come in!” Liz shouted from deep inside.
I had a strange moment of déjà vu. I tensed up, that dark apprehension seizing my core with a vice-like grip. You’re gonna screw this up, they don’t want you here, you’re just going to cause trouble, you’ll never amount to anything… Closing my eyes and taking deep breaths, I pushed the feeling away, like a phantom adolescent tantrum.
Liz bounded down the stairs with Jack in her arms. Wearing shorts and a white tank top, her skin already sun-kissed, she was the picture of good health. Oh yeah, and the big round baby bump under the top.
“You got here so quickly!” she exclaimed as she hugged me with one arm. “I hope that doesn’t mean you were speeding.”
“Of course not, Mom,” I said dramatically. I returned her hug and smile before giving Jack my hand. “The traffic was light on the way up and I can’t resist the open road. He’s gotten so big!”
“Yes, he has,” she replied, bouncing him. “And heavy. Can you say hello to your cousin Dani?”
He pressed his face into Liz’s chest as he bashfully watched me. “Hey, little guy, do you remember me? Can you say hi?”
Jack grinned and mumbled something that sounded like, “Hi,” before burying his face in her shoulder. As he moved his head, I caught a glimpse of his hearing aid. I must’ve grimaced because Liz preempted my question.
“Only one ear. And the doctor thinks it might get better with age.”
I brushed his soft, blond hair and sighed. “All things considered, we walked away pretty lucky. I can’t wait to testify at the trial.”
“You, me, and a dozen others. Not all of us will walk away. We’re already planning a huge sentencing party,” she added with a wicked smirk.
“Oh, the reporters are gonna love that,” I laughed. “Bryan up at the mountain?” I adjusted the bag on my shoulder.
“Yeah, getting the dirt bike trails set up. Why don’t you throw your things upstairs and I’ll put a pot of coffee on.” I made a face and looked at her belly, which she instinctively stroked. “Decaf for me, don’t worry.”
“You look like you’re smuggling a basketball,” I laughed.
“Just another blizzard baby,” she grinned. “Go on and get settled. I can’t wait to catch up.”
I fought my natural instincts and embraced my genuine feelings. I didn’t deflect or kill the moment with sarcasm. Instead, I returned her smile. “I’d really like that.”
The room was exactly as I’d left it, minus the Christmas decor. It felt strangely like coming home. I flopped on the bed and pulled out my phone. I’d promised I’d text the minute I got in.
Hey, I’m here. You ready to start a little trouble?
~
I’m not sure… your idea of trouble might get me killed.
~
That’s the risk you take when you date a Marsh.
~
Oh, we’re dating now?
~
If you’re lucky ;)
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I parked the car in the back lot, heading in one of the secret back entrances I’d since learned about. It was my main point of entry now, easier to avoid the growing mob of protesters outside.
My conversation with Autumn cycled through my mind as I rode the elevator to the top floor. Is that what it is? Just a safe crush? It feels different…
I walked down the hall, preoccupied with my thoughts. It feels like more than a crush, like I could actually come to really trust him. I mean, the guy is like pure sex molded in the flesh…
As I pushed the door to his office open, the universe practically proved my point. Xander stood with his back to the door, shirtless, skin gleaming with sweat. He turned as the door clicked open, his usually perfectly styled hair hanging in his eyes. He wiped his face with a white towel and nodded.
“Morning Maisie, you’re here early.”
I couldn’t tear my eyes from his body. Every shiny muscle popped and rippled with his movements. His abs were hard and flat, the lines of his obliques disappearing into the waistband of his sweatpants. I couldn’t detect an ounce of fat on him… and I was looking way too hard.
“I needed to get started on… the… thing…” I said, stumbling over my feet and words as I quickly walked in. I did my best to appear casual but felt like a robot trying to act human.
“Care to be a little more specific?” he asked with a half smile. He wi
ped down his chest with one hand, my eyes following his every move.
“I need to print and collate the packets for today’s meeting,” I said as if in a trance.
“Ah, okay then. Well, I’m glad you’re here.” He squatted down and rolled onto his back, beginning a series of rapid sit-ups. “Take a seat, I’ve got some ideas I want you to jot down for me while I finish.”
I blinked several times, a voice in the back of my mind screaming, “MOVE STUPID!” I dropped my bag and pulled out a legal pad, sitting on the edge of the desk with a pen poised.
What I hadn’t been able to explain to Autumn was how over the past few weeks, I’d learned how to compartmentalize my thoughts. It was like I’d developed a split personality. Maisie the professional appeared and acted as she should. As Xander rattled off his ideas and thoughts for expansion, things he wanted to address with Rian at the meeting later, I quickly transcribed. Professional Maisie thought, smiled, responded like nothing else was going on inside her head.
But Other Maisie, the one I wasn’t very familiar with, didn’t think… not with words. She ran almost on pure instinct. Her thoughts came in images… her teeth sinking into his shoulder as he lay on top of her, his broad hands splayed across her stomach. She thought in imagined sensations. What would it feel like if he pressed me against the wall? To ride him, his fingers digging into my hips as we…
“Did you get that?” he asked, pulling my attention.
“Yup. Researching the next ten cities for expansion, possible scouting trips to meet and greet,” I read from the page. One point to Professional Maisie.
Xander nodded before smoothly flipping over to his stomach. He proceeded to do push ups while I tried not to stare at the muscles on his back. At least he can’t really catch me staring from this angle, I thought with a thrill.
He continued talking, although with growing difficulty as his workout continued. Other Maisie wondered what that kind of stamina might mean in the bedroom while Professional Maisie took notes. He finished with a long huff, laying prone on the floor for a few seconds to recover.
“It might seem overwhelming at first, but you joined the company just as we’re about to expand. It’s going to be a lot of hard, difficult work, but it’ll be exciting.” He rocked back onto his knees, wiping his skin down again with the towel. Even though we were talking about work, I felt like his walls were down lower than ever before, that I was seeing a more complete version of Xander for the first time.
“Sure, yeah. It’s good business,” I said as my eyes dropped to the legal pad. “Everyone has sex.”
Xander laughed, his voice deep and hearty. “Other than funerals and burials, our business is one of the most future-proof you can find.” His burning gaze traveled down my body for a split second. “Even if people aren’t having sex, they’re thinking about it.”
A lump grew in my throat as my cheeks turned a light pink. “Yup, absolutely.” God, I sound like a clinical idiot. It was just a casual comment, but I instantly feared he was reading my thoughts.
After another pounding heartbeats of him studying me, he rocked back to his feet and stood. “I’ll need to meet with Rian before the meeting. He should be downstairs somewhere, if you wouldn’t mind finding him for me.”
“You want me to get him now? The meeting isn’t until two and…”
Xander walked to the attached bathroom as he spoke, the door swinging partially shut behind him. He raised his voice as the shower warmed up. “We have a lot to go over.”
“Okay, sure,” I called out. Flustered, I gathered my belongings, tucking the notepad under my arm. I couldn’t believe how casual he was acting. Between the conversation I’d had with Autumn that morning and watching him exercise half naked, my brain felt like it was going to implode.
Just as I put my hand on the handle of the office door, Xander stepped out from the bathroom, a black towel loosely held at his waist. “And don’t let him wiggle out of it. If you haven’t already noticed, he avoids responsibility like the plague and it annoys the ever-living hell out of me.” He ran his hand up and along his forehead, smoothing his black hair back.
I nodded, Other Maisie holding control of my brain for a split second. She was picturing what his body would look like if that towel just simply… fell… to the ground. I coughed and rearranged my things. “Of course. Firm hand,” I nodded.
Xander’s smirk was too much, like he knew what Other Maisie was thinking. I fled from the office and ran to the bathroom to run my wrists under the cold water to calm down.
Start reading Book 1 now!
Lauren read the text message for the tenth time, nervously biting her bottom lip.
Wear something sexy. Remember, you’re single, flirty but not slutty. Follow his lead with conversation and above all, show him a good time. You’ll do great, sweetie!
Well hopefully I’ve got the sexy part down, she thought as she smoothed a wrinkle from her black pencil skirt. She tugged at the ruffled collar on the sleeveless blouse, exposing more cleavage. I just hope I can manage the rest.
She reapplied the red lipstick she’d nervously chewed off and briefly considered telling the driver to keep going. As the car stopped in front of the restaurant, she realized it was too late for that. She was already in too deep. Taking a few calming breaths, she paid and stepped out. Winding her way through the crowd, Lauren searched for the man she’d seen only briefly earlier that day.
Damon Kael wasn’t a man easily overlooked. Mid-40’s with salt and pepper hair, even from a distance she’d noticed a fantastic body beneath the tailored suit. Within moments, she spotted him sitting at the bar, his arm casually draped over the back of the chair. She flicked her dark hair back, squared her shoulders, and sauntered over to him.
“Mr. Kael, I’m Lauren Kemp. I believe you spoke with my colleague Faith earlier,” she said extending her hand.
He took her hand and kissed her softly on the cheek, his stubble scratching her slightly. His eyes were focused, penetrating. She felt stripped bare by just one glance. “Yes, please have a seat. Do you drink?”
Swallowing her nerves, Lauren gracefully sat on the chair beside him and nodded. Just as she opened her mouth to tell him her normal drink, he flagged the bartender over.
He eyed her for a moment before saying, “She’ll have a Bee’s Knees. Another tonic for me.”
She was taken aback. No one had ever ordered for her like that before. She nearly corrected him by ordering something different but remembered who she was with and why she was there. Instead, she smiled sweetly.
“I’ve never heard of that particular cocktail, thank you.” She crossed her legs slowly, the skirt riding up her thigh.
“It’s sweet but has a bite, not unlike most women.” He held her gaze, his eyes a pale shade of sea green.
“Aw, I promise I won’t bite,” she said touching his knee.
He arched his eyebrow slightly. “That’s too bad,” he said calmly and looked away.
Lauren’s gut lurched at that comment but she steadied her reaction. She was used to always being the one in control, the one being chased, playing the games. Maybe this is what it’s like with older men, she thought. She couldn’t deny there was a part of her that wanted to grab his attention, make him look twice. He couldn’t just dismiss her so quickly. I can’t be this rusty…
“Well maybe if you ask nicely I could accommodate you,” she purred.
“No, I never have to ask.” His smile, while disarming, didn’t seem to reach his eyes. She felt her stomach flipflop in a way she hadn’t experienced in a long time. I know this is supposed to be work but I suppose there are worse people I could accompany to dinner.
As Lauren chewed on his last statement feeling completely out of her depth, the bartender delivered their drinks. A murky, faint pink concoction swirled in the cocktail glass. Lavender and honey scents wafted through the air. After a tentative sip she had to stop herself from swallowing the entire drink. Not only was it delicious, but she
hoped the liquid courage might settle her nerves. She noticed he was watching her reaction.
She turned to him and laughed softly. “Mr. Kael, you have impeccable taste. I think I might have found a new favorite drink.”
“Please, call me Damon.”
Twenty minutes later, they were guided to a small table in the middle of the busy restaurant. Lauren, with a fresh cocktail, was feeling calmer but struggling to keep him interested. Sitting across from Damon was intense, to say the least. It was as if had a gravitational force, a character and presence that demanded no less than rapt attention. The conversation was mostly light and playful while they waited for their food to arrive. Yet Lauren couldn’t help feel a strong undercurrent of subtext, an almost subliminal riptide pulling at her, urging her to drop the act. It was disconcerting how easily he seemed to play her. He’d taken off his suit jacket and loosened his tie when they sat down. She tried not to focus on the curve and bulge of his muscles beneath the thin fabric.
“It’s unfortunate that Faith couldn’t make it tonight. I’m hope she’s getting some well-earned rest,” he said taking a sip of his drink. I’m sure rest is the last thing Parker has in mind for her, Lauren thought.
“She was sorry she couldn’t make it. I hope you aren’t too disappointed with your company,” she quipped with a slight pout. She leaned forward on the table, crossing her arms and pressing her breasts together.
His eyes traveled down the line of her blouse and she briefly imagined him tearing it open, exposing the lacy bra beneath. A pink bloom formed in her cheeks as she tried to quickly wipe the image from her mind. His eyes flicked back to hers, lips curling slightly as if he’d read her mind.
“Far from disappointed, Lauren. Of course I’m a firm believer in delayed gratification, so I’ll hold off on any final verdict.” She loved the way his voice rumbled when he said her name, almost as if it were a reward. She wished he say it again and again…