Bending the Rules: Breaking the Rules #2

by Lewis, L. K.

  Adrian clinks his glass with mine saying “That sounds perfect, Morgan, just like you.” We take a small sip then set our glasses down on the living room bar and Adrian gently leads me by the small of my back out of the hotel room.

  Drake

  The ski conditions were perfect today. I’m so glad I went back to my room last night instead of partying with the rest of the group, because everyone was feeling rough and I had one of the best days on the slopes in my life. When I got back after skiing earlier I thought about crashing out for a few hours before the party tonight, but on a whim I decided to call down to the spa to see if they had any openings for a massage. As luck would have it they had a last minute cancellation and were able to fit me in. It might have been that I was reminiscing about our couples massage in Vegas or the fun we had in the cabana afterward, but that same magnetic pull for Morgan was there throughout my whole massage. I swear I can feel her presence. I find myself looking for her everywhere I go and I need to shake it off because I’ll eventually go mad if I don’t. I just need to channel that feeling into my work when I get back so I can get the company set up the way I’ll want it when I get back to the States and take over the helm.

  I’ve just gotten out of the shower when there is a knock on the door. I look through the peep hole to see Alina standing on the other side with a bottle of champagne.

  “What can I do for you, Alina?” I ask as I open the door, unfortunately wearing only a towel. I need to shut down her advances before we get any further into this evening, and I don’t think my attire or lack thereof will help to deter from sending mixed signals.

  “I figured you would be getting ready for our night out, and I thought you and I could start the evening off with a little champagne,” Alina says as she slinks her way into my room.

  “Actually, Alina, I was just getting dressed and would love some privacy, so maybe we can all have a toast together as a group at dinner,” I say, doing my best to diplomatically redirect her right out of my room.

  “You know, Drake…we have been working together for a few months now, and I’ve asked you many times to spend time with me socially and you always refuse. I’m curious why you finally said yes?” She asks.

  “I say no because I’m focusing on my career right now and don’t wish to have any distractions. I’m here in Switzerland for another six months setting everything up how I want it, and then I’ll be returning to the States to take over Baylor Industries for my father. I enjoy having you as an assistant, you do a very good job. I need to make it very clear to you that a business relationship is all that will ever be between us. Nothing more. I appreciate that you invite me out socially but only accepted this invitation because it is also with a group of people from Baylor including management, so I felt as though it was appropriate for me to join in,” I explain more sternly, not wanting to mince words. I have to make my intentions clear so there won’t be any funny business that may be misunderstood later when alcohol is entered into the equation.

  “I see. Well, I’m glad you are here this weekend and look forward to having fun with you tonight, then it’s back to business as usual Monday,” Alina says.

  “Yes, I look forward to having fun tonight as well, but please remember that we will be having fun as a group, not just with each other. Our business relationship includes this evening as well. I’d like to finish getting ready now, and will meet you downstairs for dinner in a bit,” I say as I lead Alina to my hotel door, making a mental note to steer clear of her this evening.

  Adrian

  Dinner went well with Morgan and I’m excited to see how the rest of the evening plays out. The Ritz has the party laid out in a sequence of rooms and stages of the evening. It starts in their main restaurant with a formal seated dinner. Reservations were taken for three different seating times depending on how early or late you want to start your evening. I chose the 9pm seating so Morgan could enjoy a long afternoon of pampering at the spa and not be rushed to get ready for this evening. That way we could spend a little time alone in the suite and have a short walk before dinner.

  After dinner cocktails are served in the main lobby/lounge or you can move into the grand ballroom where there are a number of bars and late night food stations set up, as well as a live band and large dance floor. I don’t want to take the chance of Morgan seeing Drake before its time so I guide Morgan directly into the ballroom. Alina and I have it worked out that she will get a couple cocktails into Drake and have him loosened up on the dance floor. When she sees me lead Morgan to the dance floor as well, she will take the opportunity to shove her tongue so far down his throat it will take the Jaws of Life to remove her from him. There will be no mistaking that she is there with Drake and has no shame in anyone seeing where their night is headed. This should be all it takes in Morgan’s emotional state to move on from Drake and I’ll be the lucky man who gets to console her in my arms.

  I guide Morgan to a table near the back of the ballroom and immediately lock eyes on Alina. She motions me over to the restrooms, so I ask Morgan to grab us a drink at the bar while I visit the loo.

  I make my way down the dark corridor where the bathrooms are located and wait in the low lit corner for Alina to join me.

  “Everything is in place, however Drake fervently denied my advances. I’m not over drugging him if you think that is necessary,” Alina smirks

  “No drugs. Just do what it takes to get him out on the dance floor and wait until you are in Morgan’s eyeline,” I say.

  “Okay, okay…I’ll just bat my pretty little lashes and see how far that gets me. How long into the evening do you want this to take place?”

  “It’s almost eleven now. Morgan is getting us a cocktail at the bar, then we will be at our table near the back of the room. Let’s play it by ear. Try to get Drake to drink a little more, maybe get a round of shots or two for the table. When he’s nice and loose, lead him to the dance floor. If Morgan wants to cut a rug a little before you guys get out there, look for my signal and get Drake to join you,” I say.

  “Okay, sounds good. Better get back out there before your girl comes looking for you. You don’t want all your hard work going bust before we get to have our fun now do you?”

  “Good point. I’ll see you I little later guess,” I say before heading back to meet Morgan at the bar.

  Drake

  I must be imagining things. That’s the only explanation. I excuse myself from the group to grab a drink and as I walk to the bar I’m drawn to the most beautiful and unforgettable long strawberry blonde hair flowing in large curls down a lean, bare back whose skin somehow always holds its tan from the summer.

  It has to be Morgan. It just has to be. My body has been on fire since arriving here in St. Moritz. I find myself looking for her everywhere I go. My legs almost start into a sprint toward her but I make them slow to a brisk stroll, doing my best to maintain a steady breath. When I reach Morgan, her back is still turned towards me as she mindlessly swirls the red wine in her glass. I gently wrap my hand around her shoulder and she turns toward me, gasping loudly as tears fill her eyes.

  “It is you,” I say, feeling lost for words all of a sudden.

  “Drake?” Morgan whimpers as a tear falls down her cheek. I lean forward and kiss it away.

  “What are you doing here?” I ask.

  “I’m here on vacation with Adrian,” she starts to explain as Adrian appears out of nowhere.

  “Yes, darling?” Adrian says as he hears his name.

  The sound of crashing glass pulls me out of the daze I suddenly find myself in and I realize Morgan has dropped her wine glass and it shatters all over the floor. People rush to help us clear up the glass. I look into her eyes and all I see is confusion and sadness.

  “Morgan? Are you okay? Did you hurt yourself?” I ask.

  “I…I uh…I’m sorry, I have to go,” Morgan says as her voice cracks. The next thing I know is she’s racing out of the ballroom. I sprint after her but it’s hard to navig
ate through the large crowd of people that have convened in the lobby to enjoy some after dinner drinks and munchies. I barely catch a glimpse of her strawberry blonde hair race out the front door of the Ritz and all I can think about is that she isn’t wearing a jacket.

  Adrian is right on my heels so I turn to him and say, “Adrian, I need your hotel key. What room number are you in?”

  With a sly grin he responds, “Zaren Suite number five. But it’s too late, Baylor, she’s with me now. It took a lot of time to get over you and now she is. She’s with me and we’re getting married. It’s over, man, move on.”

  “Your key, Adrian. I didn’t ask for your bullshit, I asked for your key. Morgan is out in the cold without anything but a backless dress on and heels. Key. Now. If you’re really in love and engaged as you say, your sheer concern for her would have you sprinting out that door for her. The fact that you are just standing here while she’s out in the elements like that says a lot,” I say as I hold my hand out to Adrian, not asking but demanding.

  Adrian hands it to me and I race to the staircase, not wanting to wait for the elevator. I get into the suite and am not surprised to see that they are in two different bedrooms. Morgan said in her email that she wasn’t interested in Adrian so I knew the line he was feeding me about being together and getting married was bullshit. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway. I’m going to find Morgan and never let her go. My father be damned, this is all the sign I need that we are to be together forever. I’ve had enough with being apart, I’ll figure something else out if I need to.

  It doesn’t take long to find her jacket and I grab a sweater just in case she needs some extra warmth. It might not be fashionable, but hidden under her coat no one will be able to tell. I race back down the staircase and out of the hotel. I think I saw her turn left as she ran out the door so that’s the direction I start running towards. I don’t care if it takes all night, I will find Morgan and sort everything out. I’m still in this fight, and I hope she still is too.

  Morgan

  Thank God I was smart enough to grab my purse as I ran out of the hotel. I at least have money and my cell phone so I’m not totally screwed. I’ve only run a few blocks from the hotel but I’m so cold and worn out from breathing the thin mountain air as I try to run that I have to stop and catch my breath. I huddle under a canopy of a shop around the corner and call Amanda for advice. I never in a million years would have guessed that I’d see Drake again, especially like this. I’m flooded with so many emotions that I can’t think straight. Amanda is the only one I can turn to that can give me the advice I need.

  “Morgie! Happy New Year! It’s not quite midnight there, why are you calling me already?” Amanda beams into the phone. Clearly she and Garrett are already having an incredible night.

  “He’s here, Amanda, he’s here!” I sob into the phone.

  “Morgan, calm down and take a breath. Who’s here?” Amanda asks.

  “Drake!” I cry, “I ran into him in the God damned hotel! I’ve been searching for him and crying over him for months and he’s off spending New Year’s Eve in St. Moritz. What the hell has he been doing? Why the hell didn’t he come home to me?”

  “Morgan, I’m not sure. Did you ask him that?”

  “No, I panicked and took off. I didn’t know what to do or say. Drake and Adrian were just standing in front of me waiting for me to say something. I totally froze, Amanda. One minute I’m waiting at the bar for Adrian to get back from the restroom, the next Drake is in front of me, kissing a tear away that had fallen down my cheek. I just stood there like a deer in headlights. I somehow let go of my wine glass and it crashed to the ground and before I realized it I had run out of the hotel and was halfway down the block! Now I’m outside somewhere near the hotel freezing without a coat under the awning of some home décor store. What do I do?” I ask.

  “Morgan, I’m so sorry, I don’t know what to say. The only advice I can give you is to go back inside the hotel, I don’t want you outside getting frostbite…” Amanda says and I can hear someone – I’m assuming it’s Garret – talking to her. “Hold on, Morgan, Garrett wants to talk to you. He says he can explain what’s going on with Drake...” Amanda says, then I hear some shuffling and assume the phone is being handed to Garrett.

  “Morgan? It’s Garrett.”

  “Garrett, what’s going on? What is Drake doing here?”

  “I’m not quite sure what he’s doing in St. Moritz, I can only imagine he’s there for the holiday. He has been living in Zurich since he left. His father exiled him there. I don’t really know any details, Drake wanted to keep me in the dark almost as much as you. I know he’s there for another six months or so and is doing everything to make his father happy so he can take over as CEO and come home to you. I know he promised to cut himself off from you to please his father, but Morgan, you have to understand everything he has done has been for you,” Garrett pleas with me.

  “How do you know this? Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Drake swore me to secrecy. He didn’t want to break the rules again and knew if you found out where he was you would go to him.”

  “Yes, of course I would. Don’t you remember that month long trip around the world I took searching for him? Garrett, this mess could have been sorted out months ago!” I shout, now feeling pissed off more than anything.

  “I know, Morgan, and I’m so sorry. Drake wants you so badly. He has always been willing to do whatever it takes to be with you. He knows this sucks, and he has been so miserable, but he knew nine months away from you would be better than spending the rest of your lives apart so this is the sacrifice he is making.”

  “I get that, but it still doesn’t make sense,” I say.

  “I know it doesn’t, but look. I’m not the one who should be telling you all this, Drake is. Why don’t you go to him and talk things out.”

  “I don’t know where he is. I ran out of the hotel so fast, I don’t even know if he is staying there, the whole town practically shows up for that party.”

  “I have his number. You can call him and meet up,” Garrett says quietly. I can tell he feels badly for not saying anything sooner.

  “Garrett, I can’t believe you didn’t tell me any of this before.”

  “I know, Morgan, and I’m so sorry. It was so hard for me to see you so sad these past few months, but it was for the greater good. I knew if you could make it through this time apart that you could have your forever that you both deserve. Drake gave me a burner phone so I could check in with him from time to time and let him know how you are doing. You have been in his thoughts every second of these past few months, Morgan, I promise you that. I’ll text you the number in a second. Call him and give him the time to explain. He loves you, Morgan. You can figure this out and move on together now. I have to get back to my hot date now before she kills me for keeping you in the dark. I can see steam coming out of her ears as we speak,” Garrett says with a nervous laugh. “I’m so sorry, Morgan, but this was the best way to keep you two together. I hope sometime soon you can see that and forgive me. If anything you’ll have to forgive me because I’m so in love with your best friend that I couldn’t stand to have you hate me. How would we hang out when Drake gets back if you did?” Garrett says, trying to lighten the mood.

  “I don’t hate you, Garrett. I understand. Could you please hug our girl for me and wish her Happy New Year for me too? Oh, and text me Drake’s number. I’m freaking freezing out here, I need to head back to the hotel and find him.”

  “Found him,” I hear Drake whisper behind me before Garrett has a chance to respond. Chills run down my spine as I suck in a breath of cold mountain air, surprised by Drake for the second time in less than an hour.

  “Garrett, I found him,” I whisper into my phone, suddenly breathless. I hang up without even saying goodbye and turn around to find Drake’s beautiful dark brown eyes drinking me in, head to toe.

  He wraps a sweater and jacket around me. “You must be freezing
,” he says as he wraps his arms around me, pulling me close to his chest and kissing our favorite spot at the base of my neck above my collar bone, as he rubs my arms and back to warm me.

  I sigh as I lean into him and enjoy this moment for a minute or two before I pull back to look at him. “Drake? What the hell is going on here?” I say as the tears start flowing.

  “Oh my love, I’m so sorry. You have no idea how sorry I am. I have answers for all of your questions, but it's late, and you are freezing. Can we go back to my room and talk?” Drake asks.

  I simply nod yes and he pulls me tightly into his arms. “Oh Morgan. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to show you how sorry I am for what I’ve put you through over the past few months, but please believe me when I say everything I’ve done has been for you. For us. I’ve never stopped fighting for us,” Drake says as his voice cracks slightly. These few months couldn’t have been easy for him either. “Let’s get back to the hotel. Will you come to my room so we can talk?” Drake asks.

  “Yes of course, but first I have to find Adrian. I sort of panicked and took off on you both. He’s probably looking for me too.”

  “I think he’s back at the hotel, actually. I got your hotel room key from him so I could get your jacket. He didn’t really seem too concerned with finding you when he realized I’d be looking too. Sorry.” Drake shrugs. “Come on, let’s go warm you up,” Drake says as he wraps an arm around my shoulders and walks me back to the hotel. We turn a corner and get a clear view of the Alps as midnight strikes on a large clock outside. Drake pulls me into his arms for the most toe curling kiss I’ve ever experienced as fireworks go off in the distance. “I love you, Morgan Lane, I’ve never stopped and I never will. It means more to me than you will ever know to be able to kiss you at midnight tonight,” Drake says with a smile.

  “Oh, I think I understand how you feel,” I say as I smile back, knowing I have some very large news to tell him tonight.