“Yes, but, Frank, you have given me so much in return, you taught me everything there is to know in the publishing world. I owe you so much for that.”
“No, Meg, I owe you,” he said with a genuine smile. “I’m moving out West with Ana. She has family there; her parents are getting older, and she’d like to move closer to them. But I couldn’t leave without saying good-bye to you and personally thanking you for all that you’ve done. You look different. Is there someone special in your life that you haven’t told me about?” he raised his eyebrows in question, and Meg could see he was hopeful. But she felt a little uncomfortable in answering his question. For one, she wasn’t ready to admit who it was she was seeing for fear it might upset him. And two, they never really talked about their personal lives. At least not until Ana came in to his life.
Meg decided to respond without going into too much detail. “I’m seeing someone. I’m not certain yet how serious it is, but I’m happy,” she admitted. Meg smiled back at him, hopeful that this thing between her and Drake would head in the right direction.
“Well, some lucky bastard finally snagged you up, huh,” he said with a smirk.
“We’ll see, but I have to admit, I feel like I’m the lucky one. He’s very special, Frank. I’ll tell you all about him one day, if it works out.”
“Look, I know I promised to give you this within two months of the deal closing,” he said while pointing to the envelope. “But everything has been extremely hectic lately, and I apologize for delivering this so late. I’ve added a little extra bonus that I hope will help out when you take time off to write.” With that, he held her shoulders and kissed Meg on both cheeks before hugging her. “Good luck, Meg Malone, and don’t open it until you’re home.” He kissed her cheek once again. Meg turned to Ana, who grabbed her in a hug and Meg wished them both well and thanked Frank for following through with his promise. She knew he would have connected with her somehow and paid her out what he had promised. But the time for her to leave was drawing closer, and she had to admit she was growing a little anxious and too embarrassed to call him on it. So this worked out quite well, she thought to herself as she walked away.
* * * *
Meg stepped into her little condo and closed the door quickly behind her. After taking a big gulp of the nice warm latte, she headed directly to the den and placed the coffee cup on the desk next to her iPad. She eyed the bamboo plant at the corner of her desk and smiled to herself. The ornament Drake had given her hung from one of the branches. She turned her attention back to the unopened envelope and took a deep breath. Carefully, she pulled out the letter addressed to her and read the neatly typed words.
Ms. Malone,
It has been a pleasure all these years working with you so closely. I have seen you through university when you worked for me part time and I knew then that I wanted you as part of my team moving forward. When you accepted my full time offer as editor after completing your studies, I was thrilled that you accepted and very happy to have had the opportunity to take you under my wing.
You have proven both your strength and ability through your hard work, dedication and long hours at the office. Not only did you accomplish your job by meeting every deadline with great precision, you also took on other aspects of the business and helped without any complaints. You were always eager to learn new things. You challenged my decisions on numerous occasions over the years. No one had ever done that. That demonstrates to me a fearless leader who will take risks, has a clear vision, and a strong will to win.
Attached, you will find two professional letters of reference, along with a bank draft in the amount of Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars representing two percent of the sale. You will also find enclosed a cheque in the amount of One Hundred and Sixty Thousand Dollars as a gratuitous payment. I also added an additional bonus in the amount of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars. Consider that an incentive for well-deserved time off to initiate a career in writing. I wish you every success with your future endeavors.
Best Regards,
Frank Griffins
Former CEO and founder of Griffin Publishing
After reading the letter and realizing how generous Frank had been, Meg’s mouth dropped to the floor, and she quickly grabbed her cell to call him. Two rings went through before the operator came on to inform her that the number was no longer in service. Shit! How could he do this? How could he change his number and not tell me? How will I ever thank him? Tears pricked her eyes as reality sank in. Everything in her life had changed so much over the course of the past three months. She now found herself to be in a good financial position. In six weeks, she would be in NYC starting a new life, hopefully with Drake, and starting a new career as an author.
As excited as she was at that very thought, she couldn’t help but worry about her destiny. Not just her career, but her personal life as well had taken a turn for the unknown. This move to NY was planned and decided over such a short time. But that was something she could deal with. Change is good! She smiled. It was time to move on and be adventurous. But it was her relationship with Drake that worried her most. Meg realized within the past month or so, she had fallen in love with a man that she barely seen and barely even knew. His absence was slowly wearing her down, making her question if this thing between them would ever work. One week away from him at a time, she could handle, but weeks, or months at a time, she wasn’t so sure.
* * * *
Meg turned the music on low and planned out her day. She arranged for two potential buyers to come by with the real estate agent. She was hopeful that Gabriella would be successful in selling as quickly as she had led her to believe.
One more week, at the most two, I will see Drake. The thought of being with him again, made her heart expand. She checked her e-mail and noted there was nothing. Okay, maybe he sent me a BBM message. Nope, not a word, nothing. Hmmm, what happened? He always checks in with me. Rarely has a day gone by that I haven’t heard from him. He didn’t call last night and still no word. Meg quickly sent a BBM message hoping he would get back to her shortly.
DN,
Where are you! I miss you, call me!
MM
Xo
* * * *
Meg quickly called Sarah to let her know that she had a few boxes ready to ship off to her place. Three rings went through before Sarah picked up. “Hey, Meg, what’s up?” Sarah asked in a slightly agitated voice.
“You sound a little off today. Did I catch you at a bad time?” Meg wasn’t sure if she should be upset or concerned over Sarah’s tone.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound impatient, but guess what? Do you remember Ethan from high school?”
“Yeah, he’s the guy you were dating that last summer just before we left for university, is that the Ethan you’re referring to?”
“Yes, he’s here in New York! I ran into him on a shoot this past week.”
“Does he live in New York? Is he modeling?”
“No, he doesn’t live here in New York, and yes, he does some modeling work, but he just landed a major role in a movie! Can you believe that, Meg? He leaves for Europe in a few days which really sucks, but right now, he’s laying stark naked in my bed.”
“Oh, you’re such a tramp,” Meg said with amusement. “I guess you’re dying to get back to him, huh?”
“Ah, Meg, he’s still so hot. He filled out since we’ve last seen him and holy shit, can he ever…”
“Okay, okay, stop. I think I heard more than I need to hear Sarah, thank you very much!”
“Anyhow, we plan to spend the day together. I just hope it’s here in my bed for the next twenty-four hours. Before you go, how are things between you and Mr. Beautiful?”
“I don’t know anymore, Sarah. I haven’t seen him in almost two months. We talk and text one another pretty much every day, but I don’t know how people do it. How they manage being this far apart for so long and sustain a relationship. It’s hard, and I miss him, a lot. Not only that, th
e timing couldn’t be worse for us. We were just getting to know one another, everything is so new, and he had to leave on business. I don’t know if I can stay in a relationship that requires us to be so far apart and for such long periods of time.”
“Hang in there, Meg. You miss him. I can hear it in your voice. Give it one last shot before you give up. If he truly wants you, he’ll slow down and spend less time traveling and more time with you.”
“I hope so,” she said in exasperation. “Listen, I’m sending a few more boxes your way. You should receive them within three business days, send me a quick text once they arrive and call me after Ethan leaves. I want you to fill me in on the hot and steamy details.”
“I will. I’ll call you later this week. Shit, I have to go. I just heard the toilet flush, and I am not letting that man out of my bed today.”
The line disconnected, and Sarah was gone, no good-bye, nothing but silence on the other end.
After a quick shower, Meg decided it would be best to disappear for the better part of the afternoon while Gabriela worked her magic with the open house. She pulled her hair up in a high pony tail, shuffled into her favorite old faded blue jeans and a white fitted button down blouse. She grabbed her thick brown knitted sweater from the hallway closet and hurried back to the den to grab her cell. That’s when she noticed a BBM message from Drake. Thank heavens!
MM,
I have been in meeting after meeting these past two days trying to bring everything to fruition. The good news is, I am almost done here and will finally have you in my arms again. I miss you, baby. What are you wearing?
DN
Xox
Meg immediately responded and sighed in relief.
DN,
Being in your arms is exactly where I need to be. The last 24 hours has been horrible not hearing from you ;-(
I am wearing my favorite jeans, a blouse and a sweater to keep me warm. I’m just about to go out for the afternoon. When will you be here?
MM
Xox
MM,
I will be there soon, I promise. Can’t you take a minute and make me happy? Go the couch, undo the zipper to those favorite jeans of yours, I promise this will be quick!
DN
Xox
DN,
LMAO, nothing with u is quick! But hey, I’m game. Jeans are undone and my hand is hovering! What shall I do next?
Don’t keep me waiting…
MM
Xox
MM,
Oh, the things I could do to you if I were right there with you…put one hand up under your blouse, but don’t take it off. Massage your breast and tweak your nipple under your bra.
Meg’s phone rang immediately bringing her out of her repertoire. It was Drake’s number that appeared on the screen and his picture. Holy fuck, it’s him! “Why, hello there, handsome,” Meg managed in a throaty voice.
“Are you lying down on the couch, Meggie?”
“Yes.” God this is so hot.
“Move to the hallway and put your back against the door. Remember that first time we were together, and I had you pinned against the door at the hotel? I want you there now, Meggie.”
Meg moved off the couch and to the door. The memory of being with him that evening was clear in her mind.
“Undo the top three buttons of your blouse and use one hand to play with your breasts, pay equal attention to both, and pinch your nipples until they are fully erect. Now, take your other hand and touch yourself. Go all the way down, Meggie, and cup your pussy for me, slide one finger inside, are you there?”
Meg’s breath hitched at the sound of his voice, her womb pulsated in anticipation of what he would say to her next. She was eager to touch the tight ball of nerves that hovered above her most intimate parts. “I’m there, Drake. I’m doing everything you ask and thinking of you touching me. I want you so badly.” She breathed out.
“Ah, baby, put two fingers inside and pump in and out six times, slowly, not too fast.”
“Ah, this is so hot. I can almost feel you here with me…”
Her breaths grew uneven and her excitement was clear. Drake’s cock grew instantly hard at the sound of her sweet moans. He wanted to be buried deep inside her. “Okay, remove your fingers, slowly,” he demanded.
There was a knock at the door and Meg froze.
“Shit, Drake, it’s the real estate agent, she’s here. We’ll have to continue this tonight, I have to go.”
“Meggie,” he yelled into the phone, “Don’t move. I want you to finish this. I need this. I need this part of you, please.”
Meg pursed her lips together. How the hell am I going to finish this now with people standing on the other side of the door? He’s nuts! But he said he needed this and she wanted to give it to him. She stilled herself, “Okay, what would you like me to do next?” she whispered low into the phone.
“Excellent, I knew you wouldn’t let me down, baby.”
“Your fingers are wet; put that hand behind your back, remove your other hand from your breast and open the door slightly. Keep yourself hidden behind the door and tell whomever it is that you just got out of the shower and need a few minutes to get dressed. You want to come, don’t you, baby? If you want me to stop I will, just say the word.”
Hell no, she was too far gone to stop now. The sound of his voice alone was getting her off. “Drake, I need this, hold on,” she whispered into the phone, “I’ll get rid of them.”
Meg’s face was flushed. Slowly, she opened the door and stood slightly behind it with two wet fingers glistening from her juices stowed behind her back. She looked out and then upward. “Drake!” His name came out in whisper. “You’re here. It’s really you. When did you…”
He grabbed her, all of her. Her hand moved to touch his face and he took her fingers, still slick with her juices and he wrapped his mouth around them. His eyes didn’t leave hers for a moment as he sucked on the two digits and then bit down lightly on her fingertips. Slowly, he removed her hand from his mouth. “You taste so fucking good, Meggie.” He lifted her up into his arms, she wrapped her legs around his narrow waist, and immediately, she heard the door slam shut. With three quick strides, he had her on the island that sat in the middle of the kitchen. He managed to move the bar stools away to either side without knocking them over and he stopped. He stared down at her with hunger, his eyes darkened with need for her. The emotion reflected in his eyes gave away the words his mouth couldn’t quite form. He missed her just as much as she missed him. His lips came down hard, and their tongues met and swirled over one another before he gently nibbled on her lower lip. He frantically tore the sweater she was wearing away from her shoulders, and his mouth came crashing down once again. The kiss was hot, telling her, without a doubt, that she was his and that he owned every part of her; mind, body, and soul.
They grabbed desperately at one another, both irritated at the layers between them. They tossed garments to the floor in their frenzy to get naked. After giving into the sheer frustration of trying to undo buttons, he gave up and ripped open her blouse at the front with one quick yank. Buttons popped off in every direction as one by one they hit the floor with a clinking sound. His hands searched her ribs and smoothed upward before he lowered her bra exposing her breasts. His mouth latched on, sucking aggressively at her erect nipples. He went from one to the other, tasting and teasing. Low soft moans escaped her throat. They were ravenous for one another, and there was no finesse between them. Only sheer hunger and an aching need to be connected to one another.
Finally, the silence between them was broken. “I need to be inside you, Meggie. Lift up.” He reached behind her and placed her hands flat on the counter, her upper body was slightly angled back, and the part of her she was most desperate for him to touch was sitting on the very edge of the counter. She held herself up, their eyes remained locked. Dark circles were formed around his eyes. Clearly he was tired and obviously hadn’t slept for hours, maybe even all night. In one qui
ck pull, both jeans and panties were off and tossed to the floor. Now that she was very much naked, she was more than eager to get Drake’s shirt off and expose his perfect chest. Meg managed to undo the buttons and pulled the material back, away from his broad shoulders along with the suit jacket he was wearing.
She pulled frantically at the tie, loosening it before she pulled it up over his head. The sound of his belt come undone and the zipper from his trousers being pulled quickly down filled the room. His trousers fell and pooled around his ankles, and in one hard savage thrust, Meg was filled by him. She moaned out loud and threw her head back at the sensation. A quick pain shot through her womb and was immediately replaced by an urgent need for him to start moving inside her.
“Fuck, I need to get a condom,” he bit out.
Drake tried to pull out, and Meg tightened her legs around his waist, her feet moved up to his behind, and she held him in place. “Don’t, don’t you dare move. This feels too good,” Meg panted out. “I know I’m safe, are you?” Both of them held their gaze, neither of them speaking for a brief moment. He was buried balls deep inside her and it felt so fucking good. Meg was overwhelmed with the need for him to stay where he was. If he pulled out right now, she thought she would die, it was that simple.
“I just had a full checkup shortly after I met you. I’m clean. Do you trust me, Meggie?”
“God, yes, Drake. I trust you, please don’t pull out,” she begged. Meg thrust toward him, pushing his cock deep inside as she pressed him to her. He pushed in deeper, if that was even possible. Meg felt the onset of the familiar heat build up way down low. Ahh.
Felisha Goulding's Stolen Innocence Series Page 37