We continued to the kitchen snorting with laughter. When we entered Lila was showing Alick how to clog. It was a sight. His huge feet were flailing about kicking every stool in their path. Lila was doubled over laughing and would place her hands on his hips every so often to correct his stance. Each time she did you could see the affect it had on the both of them. I was silently praying that it worked and equally praying that they didn’t even try because I knew it might end disastrous.
Cailen squeezed my hand and I saw the look of hope in his eyes when he watched them interact. I sighed. Neither of these men knows Lila like I do. Men are a revolving door and are good for one thing- pleasure.
Kincaid appeared to have abandoned the idea of the continued pursuit and seemed content to stand by the side and watch the story unfold.
Cailen poured us a drink and I looked over at Lila. “Hey bitch. Listen we are heading back to the city tomorrow. I can’t leave them hanging any longer. It’s just not fair. Do you want to go with us or what is your plan?”
She didn’t even hesitate before her mouth spurted, “I’m good. I’ll be here waiting for you when you get back.”
Then she was back to Alick laughing and drinking.
I just rolled my eyes. I hoped I hadn’t unleashed a hurricane into Alick’s life because I had come to care about him and I would never want to see him hurt. Ever.
We sang terribly, danced worse and drank into the night. Before I was incoherent I claimed Cailen and called it a night. Flying for hours hung over is not on my list of favorite things to do.
Of course his overly sexed body devoured me when the door closed and battered my lady part until she cried out for reprieve.
The following morning I dressed quickly and packed a few things but left most everything. Everyone was still asleep when we made our way to the kitchen for coffee and breakfast.
We laughed as we ate excited about the trip but dreading the onslaught at work. An hour later we were in the car flying down the highway heading to the airport.
Since I sprung it on him so quickly we were forced to fly commercial and he grumbled the entire way through the terminals. A brief stop at the British Airways desk provided us with two first class tickets departing in an hour.
We made our way through security and settled into the worn fabric chairs at our departing gate. He continually stroked my hand and ran his fingers over my ring pulling a smile to his lips each time.
Finally our section was called and we made our way over to the boarding gate. The attendant checked our passes and smiled broadly as she gestured for the hallway.
We walked hand in hand reaching the planes door and were ushered to our seats. At least they were a bit sprawling and we had room to spread our legs. Cailen sighed when passing bags battered his shoulder and I grumbled every time he got a wink or a batted pair of eyelashes. It was ridiculous the amount of attention the man got.
When the doors finally closed and the attendant spoke cheerily of the emergency instruction, I laid my head back and gripped his hand. Flying had never been a friend of mine.
Cailen ordered two champagnes and two whiskies. I guess that would probably help with my “issue”.
Before long I was asleep on his shoulder dreaming about the way he had properly services me before we left.
I felt a hand stroke my face.
“Wake up, Gemma. We’re here.”
I fisted my hands in my eyes and blinked them into focus. The plane was inching down the tarmac heading for the gate.
“Wow, I can’t believe I slept the whole fucking flight.”
“Well, I did work you pretty hard before we left, love. I suppose you needed a little rest.” He said smugly smiling.
“Understatement of the century.” I mumbled.
He laughed and we gathered our bags from the overhead compartment and stood in the row to exit. Once we were off the plane we made our way through the terminals and headed for the car service.
When we reached the pick up area, men were standing around holding up papers with names scrawled in black ink. A huge smile spread across my face when I took in Mr. and Mrs. Carmichael. I looked over at Cailen and he was smiling just as brightly.
We intercepted the driver and followed him to the long line of cars parked out front. When we reached the town car Cailen lowered me in and turned back to place the bags in the trunk.
Then we waited for fucking ever to get in the only lane moving. Finally we were on the road and my familiar feeling of irritation and road rage bubbled to the surface.
Cailen sat back thoroughly entertained by my rants. By the time we made it to my house I had made three children cry and had been the receiver of four birds. Typical day.
Elliott greeted me on the curb and I shocked him with a genuine smile and a, “Hello, Elliott.”
He sputtered several words and I giggled as I walked up the steps. Marriett held the door and had a smirking grin playing on her lips.
I looked over at Cailen and smiled.
“Marriett, you remember my husband, Cailen.”
Her mouth dropped and we finally stepped aside and made our way in. It took her several minuets before she was able to close her mouth. Then her eyes darted to my hand and when she spied the rock she howled with laughter and shocked me when she wrapped her arms around me chanting, “Congratulations!”
I blinked several times and smiled. “Th-thank you.” I sputtered.
Cailen offered his hand. “It is a pleasure to see you again, Marriett.” She batted her eyelashes and blushed to her hairline.
I just sighed and shook my head. I would need to get used to the attention he garners.
Cailen followed me to the bedroom where I changed into something more appropriate for work. When I was ready I looked at him. “Well, are you ready to face the executioner?” I teased.
He smirked. “Yes ma’am. My fate is sealed and I’m ready for my lashing.”
“I certainly hope so because these assholes will chew us up and spit us out.”
“They have no idea who they are up against, Gemma. It’s us against the world, babe.”
I smiled and grabbed his hand leading him out the door. Elliott offered a heartfelt congratulations as we slid into the car. I thanked him and leaned into Cailen’s side, my nerves bursting under my skin.
He sensed my unease and smoothed my hair against my back. The ride was long, as usual because the weather had warmed and brought out the tourists in droves. I would not miss NYC for that main reason.
When we pulled in front of the building Elliott opened the door and stood to the side with a stupid grin on his face.
Asshole.
Ed greeted me enthusiastically. “Well hello, Landon! It’s nice to see you’re back.” He spared a glance at Cailen. “Been spicing up the globe I see.”
I smirked. “You have no idea.” I said glancing at Cailen and winking. I turned back to Ed. “I guess you should get used to calling me by my new name now—Carmichael.” I smiled and watched as he bounced between our eyes and finally smiled like a devil.
“Well, congratulations lovely lady. I’m happy for you.” He smiled wide then turned to Cailen. “I hope you have a suit of armor under that fancy shirt because this one can lash you down with those eyes and that mouth. Verbal beat down I say.” He chuckled at himself and Cailen tilted his head back with musical laughter.
We entered the double doors and I sighed when the sign hit me in the face.
I noticed how everyone tried to avoid my gaze as we walked the hallways and I was instantly ashamed at my past behavior.
When the doors opened on the thirty-second floor I inhaled deeply and gripped his hand tight. To say that everyone stopped in mid stride would be completely accurate. It was as though the pause button had been pressed. Eyes followed every bit of our progress until we reached my office door.
Melanie looked up and blinked several times before she was able to speak. Mainly because she needed to wipe the drool from her mouth while sh
e openly ogled Cailen.
“Hello Melanie.” I said curtly.
She slowly moved her eyes to my face and answered, “Miss Landon. It’s nice to have you back. Shall I run down your activities?” She asked moving her eyes back to Cailen.
I cleared my throat gaining her attention. “That won’t be necessary. I’ll only be here briefly while I gather a few things. Call up to Phil’s office and announce my arrival in thirty minutes.” She nodded and returned to her screen.
I turned the knob and opened the door, after Cailen walked in I stuck my head out. “Oh, and Melanie you should know it is extremely rude to stare at someone else’s husband. Especially mine.” I gave a wicked smile and watched recognition light up her eyes then shut the door.
I snickered to myself as I walked to the desk. “You are having fun with this, yes?” He asked grinning.
“God yes! It’s much better than I thought it would be, too.” I said rubbing my hands together.
He laughed. “Who is Phil, love?”
I sobered a bit. “Oh, yes. Well, he would be the president. It’s best if I do this as soon as possible and having you with me gives me a bit more strength.” I reached for his hand.
He made a face. “Love, are you sure this is what you want to do? I mean, you could wait a while and think about it. I don’t want you to think I expect you to do this and I certainly don’t want you to regret it and resent me later.”
“This is exactly what I want to do, Cailen. Since I met Alick and your friends and had a chance to sample your life, well that sealed the deal for me. I want to be where you are. There is nothing left here for me. You are my forever and my future.” I punched his arm. “Now let’s go have my ass handed to me on a dirty ashtray.”
He stared solemnly. “Em, I won’t let anyone treat you badly. Seriously, if you think that is the way it will go perhaps I need to wait here. I’m a fairly calm natured guy but I have rage inside that comes out when someone hurts a person I care about.”
I patted his arm and linked our fingers. “I can’t do this if you aren’t by my side, Cailen. I need you there.”
He stared at me for several moments and nodded offering a small smile.
I pulled gently on his hand and walked to the door. Melanie offered a nod and stared at our hands. We strolled through the office amid whispers and shocked breaths. I sighed. This was one conversation I wished I had on conference call.
Phil’s office door was ajar when the elevator doors opened. His secretary, Anita smiled when she saw me and gestured for me to go on in.
Phil was sitting, his chair turned against the door, talking on the phone. “I don’t give a god damn whose fucking idea it was fix it or don’t bother coming back.”
I cleared my throat and I watched the chair swivel around. His face was screwed up in a nasty scowl. He scanned me from head to toe and slowly smirked, standing to offer his hand.
Yep, this was going to be all kinds of fucking awkward. On more than a dozen occasions his hands had dropped below the access point on my ass and his eyes lingered about eight inches down from mine during any conversation.
“Ah, Emberly dear. You are looking stunning as always. Please come in.” His eyes drifted to my legs as I walked, his gaze became dark and hungry. He had yet to acknowledge Cailen and that just made it more awkward.
I pulled Cailen by the hand and closed the distance. When I reached his desk he held out his arms for an embrace, but I simply stuck out my hand for a shake. His face fell. That’s when his scowl appeared and he glared at Cailen.
I glanced over and Cailen was rigid. His eyes were tense and his nostrils were flared.
Fuck.
This was spiraling quickly. I attempted to diffuse the situation. “I hope that call had nothing to do with my floor.” I laughed shakily.
Slowly he turned back to me. “No dear. That was just Alex. Nothing for you to be concerned about.”
My eyes popped. “Alex, your son?” I asked incredulously.
“Yes.” He answered passively.
Damn. If he talked to his kid that way then I was getting ready to be flayed alive.
The silence was awkward. I gathered my balls and spoke. “Phil, I would like you to meet Cailen Carmichael.” I gestured to him and smiled. “My husband.”
Phil appeared to have swallowed his tongue. His head whipped between our faces. Then his beady eyes speared me across the desk.
His hands tented in front of him. “I see. I guess that is where you have been flitting around on my dollar, then.” He accused.
I swallowed hard. “Well, sort of, but I had quite a bit of vacation and I needed a little downtime.” I said my voice rising.
“Regardless, your behavior is nothing short of reckless and selfish. I expect you to be back at your desk by eight AM, no excuses.” His tone was curt and final.
I peeked at Cailen, his fists were flexing and his knuckles were white. I looked back at Phil. “Well actually, that’s what I am here to talk to you about, Phil.” My throat was dry and I could hardly get the words out. “I’m turning in my notice, effective immediately.” His eyes became murderous, which had me offer quickly, “But of course I will be available for any training with my replacement and I can handle any project that is current under my watch.”
“Unaccepted.”
“Excuse me?” I sputtered.
“Your resignation. Unaccepted. Now get your ass back downstairs and don’t you dare make an ass out of me. You will do as you are told or else.”
The next second Cailen was on his feet leaning forward into the desk. My heart broke into a sprint and I watched as Phil lazily stood from his chair, smirking and said, “Aw, isn’t that endearing. Your own little prince charming here to come to your aid.” He eyed Cailen with a smug smile then turned back to me. “If you don’t get that fine ass back in your chair I will make your life miserable and you will never see the inside of a publication office again.” He warned.
My heart sank. I may not want to continue my employment with Vogue but the thought of never having the option to branch out and spread my wings again had me panicking.
I willed them away but the tears welled up. “Please Phil, I don’t want to burn any bridges. I want to do what’s best here. Please don’t do this.” I begged as my voice broke and the tears streaked my cheeks.
He sneered at me. “You heard me. You have two choices, Emberly. I don’t give a fuck about those silly fucking tears. You are either with me or against me and let me tell you, being against me would be the worst mistake of your life.” He spat.
I began panting. My breath was catching. Cailen reached over to grab my arm just as I was about to collapse. He hooked his arm around my waist then sat me in the chair.
Then he stepped around the desk. “I think to start with you owe Emberly an apology for being a fucking shameless dick. Then you are going to accept any terms she stipulates for her exit. Then you are going to wish her well in her future endeavors and speak glowingly about her to anyone that may ever call on her behalf. Is that understood?” His tone had me cowering.
Phil snorted. “Who the hell do you think you are? You can’t speak to me that way. Go fuck yourself and take your whore with you.”
It happened so fast I barely caught it with my eyes. Cailen blurred around the desk and had Phil by the throat pinned against the back wall. Phil was startled and his eyes wide as Cailen hissed something in his ear. Moments later he released him and dropped him back to the ground. Phil stood paralyzed unable to speak.
Cailen walked over to me and took my hand. “I think it’s time we go, Gemma.” His voice was strained.
I glanced at Phil whom was still frozen in place. Cailen pulled my hand and led me from the room. The journey was a blur until we got into the car and panic smothered my chest.
Cailen pulled my head into his chest and stroked my hair. I wailed for several minutes before I jerked my head back. “What. The. Fuck. Was. That!” I screamed.
He gripp
ed my hands firmly to his chest. “I will never let anyone speak to you that way, Emberly. That motherfucker is lucky he’s still breathing.” He seethed.
My eyes were blurry from the tears and I sputtered. “I just don’t understand.”
He cupped my face. “I had no idea you dealt with such a volatile environment. I can promise you that you will never be subjected to that horseshit ever again, love. It took all the strength I have to not tear his fucking fat head from his shoulders.”
His breathing was heavy and not a spark of blue remained in his eyes. I just stared in disbelief.
The remainder of the ride was silent. Cailen held me close and never eased his grip. When we stopped in front of the house I didn’t realize the door was open until Elliott touched my arm to pull me out.
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