Bending the Rules: Breaking the Rules #2

by Lewis, L. K.

  “You look beautiful as always,” Adrian says as he kisses me softly on cheek.

  “You look handsome too. I love that you dressed nicely. It’s a pet peeve of mine that people think it’s appropriate to travel in their pajamas. I’m all for comfort on a long journey, but that is taking it a bit too far if you ask me,” I say, realizing I might be sitting a little too high on my horse.

  “Ah, that sass. I agree with you though. It’s not hard to dress yourself first before leaving the house. We have a little time before our flight takes off. Would you like to check out the duty free shop, or should we go straight to the first class lounge?” Adrian asks.

  “Let’s go to the lounge. We can relax in the comfy chairs and use the free Wi-Fi a little longer before the long flight,” I say.

  As our flight takes off I’m overcome by the memories of when I flew to Vegas to see Drake. That was the happiest weekend of my life and also the last time I spent with him. Remembering the fun I had with Drake dancing at Tao and the way he looked at me when he said he couldn’t wait to marry me is more than I can take, and tears start to stream down my face.

  Adrian notices and gently grasps my chin between his thumb and forefinger, turning my face in his direction. When I look into his eyes I see concern as he asks, “Morgan, are you okay?”

  “No,” I say with a sigh. I wipe the tears from my eyes and with as much confidence as I can muster I say, “But I will be.”

  Adrian

  When my father called me into his office to let me know that Drake Jr. had cancelled the orders for the European division of Baylor Industries my suspicions were confirmed as to his whereabouts. At first I figured he disappeared for a week or two until everything blew over, but when he didn’t return after a month and hadn’t reached out to Morgan, I figured this was Drake Sr.’s doing. I have to admit that I’m surprised he has been radio silent with regards to Morgan. As deep as their connection seems to be, I can’t believe he hasn’t found some way to break his rules, or at least bend them.

  I know the European headquarters for Baylor are located in Switzerland, and it only took one call into the company to find out that Drake plans to spend New Year’s Eve at the lavish party thrown by the Ritz Carlton in St. Moritz. I spent some time between the sheets with Drake’s assistant, Alina, when she interned for our company a year or two ago and it’s only by complete coincidence that she now works for Baylor. I happen to know she is one of those social opportunist girls that will do anything to land a man with money and social stature, so it wasn’t difficult to talk her into doing everything possible to be a distraction for Drake. She has reported back a few times that Drake has denied all of her advances but finally agreed to join her group of friends and other Baylor colleagues in St. Moritz. I booked the plane tickets while I was on the phone. This is an opportunity I cannot pass up.

  Morgan has said that she and Drake have never had their closure. I’m hoping that running into Drake half pissed in the arms of a brunette bombshell halfway across the world will be just the closure she needs to finally move on from Drake with me.

  ****

  Morgan has been raised among affluence and has traveled around the world with her parents and on her own most of her life. Because of this she is a wonderful travel companion. She doesn’t over pack, is well prepared and courteous of other travelers. Because of this I was especially pleased when Morgan was awestruck amid our arrival at the Ritz Carlton.

  Upon check-in we were escorted to one of their Zaren Suites, which I thought would be most appropriate for our stay. Not only is it spacious and gorgeously decorated in soft neutral colors so as not to detract from the breathtaking natural surroundings just off the balcony, but it has two luxurious master bedrooms both equipped with en suite baths. Although I’d prefer that Morgan stay in my master suite with me I know she most likely would prefer her own space and I don’t want to pressure her. I heard her last night when she came over to let me know this trip would not be a romantic one for her, but after she observes the real Drake Baylor Jr. tomorrow night, I hope she changes her mind.

  I tip the concierge generously and he leaves the suite promising to reserve the best table for us tonight at the Carlton bar, which is better for small bites and cocktails before and after a meal, but after traveling all day I thought keeping it low key would be best.

  “Are you hungry, Morgan? I thought we could head down to the bar and have some small bites and something to drink. We could head over to Da Vittorio if you would prefer and have some delicious Italian food, but I thought after traveling all day a light bite sounds better.”

  “The bar sounds great, thank you. Maybe after we eat we can go for a stroll to stretch our legs?” Morgan suggests.

  “Absolutely. The gal at the front desk told me where to find the best hot chocolate in town and I was planning on taking you there after skiing tomorrow, but maybe we can check it out tonight as well,” I say.

  “I love hot chocolate. I can only imagine how true Swiss hot chocolate tastes,” Morgan beams.

  “I’m going to run through the shower and put fresh clothes on. Would you care to meet me here in about twenty minutes, or would you like more time?” I ask, not wanting to rush her.

  “Twenty is fine. I’ll see you in a bit,” Morgan says, then turns to her suite, closing the door behind her.

  Twenty-five minutes later we are downstairs sitting next to a fire, sipping on some wine when I see Alina and her posse walk into the lobby. She meets my gaze and gives me a wink before heading over to the reception desk. I love it when everything goes according to plan. A minute or so later I thank my lucky stars that Morgan has her back to the front door when Drake walks into the lobby. My heart sinks to my stomach with the anxious feeling that Drake will see Morgan sitting here with me and my plan will fail. I keep my eyes trained on Drake, ready to divert Morgan’s attention if needed, but he is distracted by something on his cell phone. Drake pauses and starts to turn in my direction. Morgan notices that I’m completely preoccupied and starts to turn in the direction of my eyesight. Just as I’m sure Morgan is about to notice him, Drake refocuses his attention on the cell phone in his hand and starts to walk in the opposite direction. He doesn’t look up as he walks to the elevator banks. He also doesn’t check in so I’m hoping Alina has convinced him to stay with her, which will only give credibility towards their fake relationship when Morgan finds out about them.

  After a quick bite, I suggest we go find the chocolate shop and get some hot cocoa as we stroll through the streets. Fresh snow is falling and the moon looks beautiful on this clear night. Mother Nature could not be supplying a more romantic backdrop for our walk and I grab Morgan’s hand, gently rubbing it with my thumb.

  “I’m glad you are here with me, Morgan,” I say, breaking our comfortable silence as we stroll, “You are the only one I want to ring in the New Year with, even if it’s only as friends.”

  “Thank you, Adrian. For this trip, for your friendship…for everything,” she says as she leans her head on my shoulder and snuggles into my chest a bit. I let go of her hand, wrapping that same arm around her waist, and pull her closer to me. We continue our comfortable silence as we make our way back to the hotel.

  Drake

  I don’t know what the hell I was thinking when I agreed to come here. Alina even tried to convince me to share a room with her, but I am not about to do anything to jeopardize the work and time I’ve put in over here. The only thing that finally got me to accept her invitation to come is that a bunch of people will be part of our group, including some Baylor management and their spouses so people could vouch for my good behavior. It was nice of Alina to check in for me and grab my key as everyone checked in. I decided to rent a car and drive myself in case I choose to go back early and was running a few minutes behind the group.

  I get a text from Alina as I walk into the lobby of the Ritz letting me know what room number I’m in. I start to bypass the reception desk and something stops me dead in m
y tracks. I can’t say exactly what it is because I think it’s more of a feeling than something I saw. My heart starts to flutter and I’m drawn back to the same feeling as when I’m with Morgan. It’s that same magnetic pull that I’ve become accustomed to whenever she’s near. It is a sense of excitement in my gut and complete contentedness in my heart and I’ve only ever felt it in her presence. I start to scan the room for Morgan, telling myself that there is no way she would be here, when Alina texts me again telling me to hurry because we have a dinner reservation in twenty minutes. I walk over to the elevators, replying that I’ll be up to my room shortly.

  I join the group for dinner but am distracted by the pull I feel. I try to explain the feeling away by telling myself that it’s simply the sadness in my heart that I’ll be starting such a promising year surrounded by those I tolerate, not anyone I love. Not the woman I love most in this world. When everyone decides to go clubbing after dinner I retire to my room. I’ll need my energy in order to get through a day on the slopes followed by a very long and most likely emotional evening.

  Chapter 15

  Morgan

  I feel like shit today. I think yesterday’s travels topped with the high altitude is doing a number on my body because everything hurts, especially my head. I get out of bed and take a hot shower hoping the spa-like shower jets will soothe my hurting body, but nothing helps. I know Adrian is jazzed about skiing today and I’ll be totally fine if he chooses to do that but I think I’d rather call down to the spa and see if they can squeeze me in for a massage.

  I wrap myself into one of the most luxurious robes that has ever graced my skin, and I head out of my suite to find Adrian sitting at the dining room table, breakfast already delivered and waiting.

  “Hey, sunshine, I was just about to come wake you for breakfast. I thought I’d let you sleep as long as possible. I’m sure the jetlag is getting to you,” Adrian says while pouring me a glass of orange juice.

  “It is. I’m afraid I’m too drained for skiing the Alps today. I thought I’d call down and bribe one of the spa attendants to squeeze me in for a spa treatment. I hope you aren’t disappointed. Feel free to still go skiing of course.”

  “I figured you might be wiped out after yesterday so I booked you an afternoon at the spa when I made our reservations,” Adrian says with a proud smile.

  “You’re kidding. Adrian, that’s so thoughtful,” I beam.

  “Morgan, darling, don’t forget how well I know you. We can always go skiing tomorrow. You can relax here for the rest of the morning. Lunch will be delivered here at noon. I’ve booked your treatments at the spa starting at 1pm. You’ll have an Ayurvedic massage, relaxing facial, and thalassotherapy bath.”

  “Adrian, that’s amazing. I’m starting to think my body needs this more than I’ve realized.”

  “I know it does. You’ve been through a lot these past few months. When you’re done with your spa treatments you’ll have your hair and makeup done in the salon. If you leave your dress for this evening with me I’ll make sure housekeeping steams it for you. It will be hanging for you in your closet when you get back.”

  “You are wonderful, thank you for planning this for me,” I say.

  “Morgan, this is how you deserve to be treated. You should be with a man who knows you so well, he can anticipate your needs before you do. To be honest, I still hold out hope that your feelings about me change because I would love to be that man for you. I look forward to our evening together. Rest up this morning and enjoy your afternoon. I’ll be here waiting when you’re done, then we’ll go to dinner.”

  “What will you do today? I feel bad spending an entire day of our vacation together away from you.”

  “I’ll most likely still hit the slopes. I have a few things to take care of before the party this evening so I might head into town as well. I want you to enjoy today, Morgan, you deserve it. I’m looking forward to a wonderful evening so make sure to get your rest,” Adrian says as he stands from the table, giving me a soft kiss on the head before heading to his suite to get ready for skiing.

  I finish breakfast, then head back to bed to rest a little longer before lunch is served in the room. Adrian knocks on my door a little later before he heads out to the slopes to wish me a good day and say he’s already excited for our night. I am too. I need to start the New Year with a positive attitude, and that starts now. I have a few hours to kill and I’m still a little too awake and restless to fall back asleep, so I pull out my iPad and send a quick Happy New Year to Drake.

  From: Morgan Lane

  Subject: Happy New Year

  Date: 12/21/2013 09:34

  To: Drake Baylor Jr.

  Dear Drake,

  Happy New Year (almost!)

  I’m emailing you from picturesque St. Moritz, Switzerland. I’m staying at the Ritz Carlton. I’m actually here with Adrian. This trip is his Christmas gift to me, hoping a romantic getaway would help to solidify our couple status.

  I sat him down the other day before we left and thanked him for everything he has done for me, then explained to him that I’m not able to move forward romantically with him. How could I when I will forever and always be hopelessly in love with you? You own me, Drake, body and soul. I wish I could explain to you exactly what that means right now, but I can’t.

  I love you, Drake. I wish I could be with you tonight at midnight. Starting the New Year with you would make everything so perfect.

  Wishing you a happy and healthy 2014!

  Love,

  Morgan

  When I’m finished writing to Drake I search the web for a bit then curl up in my bed and drift off to sleep.

  I wake a little while later to the sound of a doorbell and am confused as to where the hell I am until I look out of my bedroom window and see the beautiful Alps in the distance. I must be a little hazy because I still can’t figure out why I woke to the sound of a doorbell. It rings again and I snap out of it remembering that Adrian ordered lunch to be delivered here for me before I head down for my lavish day at the spa. He has really pulled out all the stops for this vacation and I’m so grateful to have someone wanting to be there for me this way, I just wish I could return those feelings.

  ****

  A day at the spa is exactly what I needed. I’ve been massaged, exfoliated, remineralized and rejuvenated. I’ve just slipped back into my spa robe and sandals, ready to head over to the salon when an overwhelming feeling washes over me. A chill goes down my spine when I realize what I’m feeling is Drake. It’s weird to describe him as a feeling. From the moment I first laid eyes on him I felt a magnetic pull towards him. To be feeling that now is confusing. I haven’t felt the pull this strongly since I saw him last, and now my heart is fluttering as I scan the room for him. Is it possible that he could be here too? I highly doubt it. Honestly, I’m not sure how happy I would be to find he’s off enjoying life in these fabulous surroundings and not home with me, but I guess I can’t really say much because I’m also off in the same fabulous surroundings with another man. I don’t see Drake as I casually glance around the spa and salon, so I chalk this feeling up to pregnancy hormones and loneliness. Drake has been on my mind so much lately that maybe my body is simply willing him to appear. With a small sigh, I let the feeling go and instead focus on the fun night Adrian and I have in store for ourselves.

  An hour and a half after I enter the salon I return to the hotel room feeling and looking like a whole new woman. My makeup has been done with dramatic smokey grey eyes and dark red lips, and my hair is hanging beautifully down my back in soft, loose curls. I quickly dash to my room so Adrian doesn’t see me until I can show him the entire look. We may be on this trip strictly as friends but it’s still nice to get the first glance appreciative look from a good looking guy.

  I take my time getting dressed as we have a later dinner reservation, which is wonderful because I’m so relaxed from the spa and the salon glam squad has already made me feel so beautiful. I take a few moments admir
ing the way my figure is changing.

  I had to switch gears a little when I went shopping for tonight’s outfit. I chose to wear a shorter, almost backless black dress that draws attention away from my belly. Knowing it would be a long night I tried on about fifty pairs of shoes before finding the perfect pair that looks hot with my dress, but has built in cushioning and flexible leather so I can dance all night without my feet declaring war on the rest of my body.

  I step out of my bedroom to find a gorgeous GQ model standing in front of the balcony doors. Okay, its only Adrian, but he looks like a GQ model dressed in a custom-tailored black tuxedo.

  “I didn’t realize I was partying with a model tonight,” I say as Adrian turns around to face me. He walks towards me with two champagne flutes in hand. As he hands me one, he bends down to kiss my cheek. He pulls back and sweeps his gaze over me, head to toe.

  “Thank you, darling, but I think I’m the one who should feel honored to be hanging with such beauty tonight. Are you ready to head down to dinner or would you like to have some champagne here first? We still have about twenty minutes before our reservation.”

  “I think there will be plenty of opportunities for champagne tonight and I don’t want to wake up tomorrow feeling like I did this morning. Let’s have a quick toast, then head down and see if they can seat us early, and if not maybe we can take a little walk. I’m smart and packed comfortable shoes for this dress so I will be happy on my feet all night.”

  “That’s a great idea. Kudos by the way for thinking ahead with your footwear. Your mother certainly trained you well. What should we toast to?” Adrian asks.

  “Good health, great friends, and a wonderful and prosperous 2014,” I say, holding my flute up to toast.