Absolutely Mine: Married in Vegas novel

by Laine, Terri E.

  “Hello, welcome to Le Colour. How can I be of assistance?”

  My eyes drifted over the artfully placed racks of clothes and my heart sank.

  “I’m looking for a white top,” I said, meeting her gaze.

  Her smile fell. “White?” She said it like it was a dirty word. “We are all about color, can’t you see?”

  I had. I felt like I’d stepped into a metallic paint color show.

  “Golds and greens are all the rage.”

  There was no way I could go to the meeting in anything I could see. They weren’t just bright, but reflective as if they were made of tiny sequins. And maybe they were.

  In a small voice as I felt my job slipping away, I said, “You don’t have anything white?”

  Her lips flattened before she said, “Follow me.”

  We weaved through the displays all the way to a back corner. And there it was, a basic white shirt that would match the navy slacks I’d worn that day.

  It wasn’t exactly my style, lots of ribbon detailing that ended in a bow at the hip. But what choice did I have? There was nothing else except psychedelic red. I felt like I’d stepped into a Christmas shop and it was too soon or just passed, how ever you wanted to look at it.

  “Great,” she said. “I assume you’ll need a large with that bustline.”

  I wanted to say something nasty, anything. But she’d spoken with a huge smile. I grabbed the large and medium and went into the dressing room.

  I settled on the large, though it was a little loose around the midriff. The medium made my boobs look compressed.

  “I’ll take it,” I said, stepping out of the dressing room without taking the shirt off.

  Time was precious. We walked to the counter and she removed the tags with scissors she had on hand like she did this a lot.

  “Good for you. You look… great.”

  I rolled my eyes as she nearly looked bereft to find a compliment. I had my hand out when she announced the price, which was somewhere in the neighborhood of about half of my weekly take home pay. My hand shook as she snatched the card out of my hand. I couldn’t think about how I could possibly afford the silky blouse I didn’t even like.

  “Do you need a bag?”

  She looked to my hand that held my wadded up shirt. I should probably toss it, but said, “Yes.”

  Hell, at the price I was paying, I deserved the bag.

  After the transaction was done, I ran back across the street, dodging honking cars.

  I’d exited the elevator and ignored the receptionist who tried to flag me down. I didn’t have time. I had to go to the bathroom to fix my hair and makeup in time for the meeting.

  Before I got to my cubicle to grab my makeup bag, I saw him.

  “Jillian,” he said.

  My name on his tongue, and oh what a tongue he had, did things to clench my core with need.

  “Edward,” I said, using his full name, which he hated, and strode by him to get to my cube so I could gather my wits.

  Chapter Five

  Edward McCabe was breathtaking. Even sporting a grizzly man beard as he was, I had an undeniable attraction to him. He was tall, dark, and extremely handsome and could nearly make me come just by saying my name.

  His scowl was dangerous, which unfortunately for me only turned me on more, and I didn’t have time.

  “Aren’t you supposed to be on your honeymoon?” I said, with my back to him.

  There was no way I could let him even notice a hint of my hurt. I sighed when I found my makeup bag and hairbrush. I tucked them into my tote, ready to stride to the ladies’ room, when he blocked the opening of my cube.

  I came to a stop inches away. My cubicle was made for one. Two was a crowd.

  “Look, I’m not sure why you’re here, but I have a meeting to get to.”

  “This.” He held out a paper. It was gone so quickly. As his arm dropped, I had only been able to read the State of Nevada boldly written at the top.

  I met his eyes. “What does this have to do with me?” I asked, my annoyance at his domination of my workspace beginning to show.

  “Everything,” he all but growled.

  “I get Chris is gone, but I can’t talk you through whatever problem you have right now.” My sister was in New York with her new husband, who was Eddie’s older brother. “I’m not sure why you can’t talk to your wife, but can we do this later?”

  I tried to sidestep him, but he was like an immoveable boulder.

  “No, I cannot do this later,” he practically yelled, his voice bouncing off the walls and any office noise instantly quieted.

  He too sensed we now had an audience and leaned in the few inches to my face and said, “Besides, I am talking to my wife and the State of Nevada frowns on bigamy.”

  That caught my attention and stole all the air from my lungs.

  “Wife?” I repeated.

  “Yes. Apparently, someone didn’t turn in the annulment papers.”

  I may have struggled for words a second ago, but I had them back then. “I did.”

  At the time, Eddie had still been in school, and between us, neither had the money to pay a lawyer to help us annul the marriage. Eddie had done the research himself to fill out the forms necessary to void our ill-conceived marriage after a night of debauchery.

  “State of Nevada says otherwise,” he countered as if suggesting I was a liar.

  His voice had risen again as his anger grew, but so did mine.

  “I did. And if they misfiled it, that’s on them, not me.”

  “Well, I’m facing four years in prison. Do you have proof or a copy?”

  I didn’t.

  “A copy? Why is this on us?”

  “It’s not, sweetheart. It’s on me and I don’t fancy going to jail. So sign this.”

  He produced another document at me.

  “I can’t sign this now.”

  Outside of the fact I was so going to be late, I needed to know what I was signing.

  “Now,” he sneered.

  I straightened. “Would you advise any of your clients to blindly sign anything?”

  He blew out a frustrated breath. “Fine. Read it and sign it asap and that doesn’t mean five days from now.”

  Then he stomped off past a cluster of people. Margret whispered something to her assistant and the group was led off in the direction of the large conference room.

  Shit.

  When she reached my cubicle, I ran on at the mouth. “I’m so sorry. It won’t happen again.”

  She laughed like she was cool and I expelled a relief breath.

  “You’re right. It won’t happen again because you’re fired.”

  “Wait. What?” I asked, hoping I hadn’t heard her correctly.

  “Gather your things and leave the building immediately. Security will be up to show you out.”

  She spun on her heels and left in much the same fashion as Eddie had.

  This was so not happening.

  I fought back tears as I began to gather the few personal things I’d left in my space. Security arrived with a bankers box and I went to work with what dignity I had left, packing up the little things I’d accumulated to make my home away from home feel like my space.

  Then my mind drifted to how I was going to pay my student loans and the little credit card debt for the Christmas splurge I’d done for Mom I was still paying off. Not to mention the pricy top I wore that hadn’t saved my job.

  That’s when I recalled I wasn’t the only one responsible for my dismissal. No, that honor belonged to a man I’d craved for as long as I remembered.

  I lifted my chin for the walk of shame and prayed I didn’t trip. What could be worse than walking past my co-workers who witnessed my firing and then ending up sprawled over the floor with my Mrs. Thor Ragnarök framed picture with my face photoshopped over Natalie Portman’s? It spelled complete loser.

  Gratefully, I didn’t and the sidewalks outside weren’t jammed with commuters. I made it to the p
arking garage the next block over with minimal embarrassment.

  Okay, there was that kid with his mother who loudly proclaimed, “Mommy, Mommy, why does she have a box of things? Is she a bag lady?”

  Homeless wasn’t a far cry for where I was headed. Although my sister’s husband, Cameron, the NFL’s leading quarterback, had paid our rent for the next three months, through the end of the lease, I should have been saving for a new place in the rising market of the area. Now, I was saving nothing. I’d likely end up moving back home with Mom.

  That thought had me gripping the steering wheel as I drove to the McCabe law offices, the mini empire Eddie had built in only a few short years. It helped that his brother recommended him to his teammates. Eddie had started something new. His office not only included lawyers, but sports agents and financial analysts as a one-stop shop for players with newfound wealth.

  I parked my car in the pricy lot of the new building and rode the elevators up. Unlike my former office, the receptionist was so busy, she didn’t greet me. In fact, I had to wait in line.

  When my turn came, I said, “I’m here to see Edward McCabe.”

  Her eyes shifted over the open concept office with minimalist furniture and wide views of downtown Dallas. Cubicles were nonexistent. Workstations with very short walls just to define space covered the open areas. All the office walls were made of glass, so I spotted Eddie in a corner with a headset on.

  “He’s talking on the phone. Can I get your name?”

  “I’ll wait,” I said instead, not wanting to be announced.

  Two could play the same game, as he’d shown up at my now former workplace without warning.

  She didn’t have time to argue because a delivery person was behind me. When he moved in, I stepped aside and watched as someone else stepped off the elevator and waited for her attention.

  It was then I made my move. Eddie was facing the windows looking out as I walked casually but swiftly in that direction.

  There was an empty desk in front of his office that was outfitted with a computer and desk phone, though it didn’t appear occupied. When Eddie started to turn, I sat in the chair behind the desk like the music had gone off in musical chairs. I wasn’t sure why I was hiding. Then again, I wanted the moment to be mine when I gave him shit about getting me fired.

  Then the phone rang and I glanced at it and then up toward the reception area. The poor woman looked frazzled, like it wasn’t every day she saw that amount of revolving door activity. Feeling bad for her, I picked up the phone.

  “Edward McCabe’s office.” I assumed with the placement of the desk, it was meant for his assistant.

  A gruff voice began to speak.

  I cut in. “Mr. McCabe is not available at the moment. May I take a message?”

  That was a dumb move, because the computer wasn’t on and the desk was empty except for a useless keyboard and mouse.

  “Please hold a second,” I said and reached in drawers until I came up with a legal pad of paper and pen.

  Then I proceeded to take the message. It didn’t end there. The phone rang and rang constantly. The receptionist looked relieved, only to point a woman in my direction.

  I muttered a curse under my breath and tried to make myself look small.

  “Hi, I’m Kate from HR. I’m sorry I didn’t meet you when you arrived. They said you wouldn’t be here until lunch.”

  It wasn’t far off from that time. Kate, an efficient woman, took the legal pad and scribbled down some things.

  “But I see you’ve figured out our phone system. Here is your temporary log on. How about after lunch, we meet and fill out some paperwork?”

  Before I could explain anything, someone was calling her name.

  “I’m sorry. Today has been crazy. We’ll talk after lunch.”

  Then she was gone without me having uttered a single word. The phone, however, wouldn’t give me that peace. So, I answered it again, noting one line still lit up, meaning Eddie had yet to get off the phone.

  Ten minutes later, a woman who had professional cheerleader written all over her strode up to the desk. She was perfect in every way if you liked skinny girls with boobs.

  “Hello,” she said amiably. “You’re new.”

  I felt it best to just nod. Technically, I wasn’t an employee and I was sure I knew who she was.

  “I’m Eddie’s wife, Chelsea.”

  It took a moment for my brain to connect even though my suspicions had been confirmed. I gave her a smile as she hadn’t offered her hand.

  “Can you let him know I’m here?” she said.

  “Sure. Can I offer you a cookie—” I coughed, hoping to cover up that last word. “—coffee.”

  Her eyes narrowed.

  “I’m not surprised you made that mistake,” she said, dismissing me. “But some of us avoid carbs.”

  Yes, I wasn’t skinny and never would be, but I wouldn’t let her get to me.

  “That’s too bad. A cookie might help your attitude.”

  She huffed out a little laugh as I maintained my best go fuck yourself smile.

  “Just do your job and get my husband.”

  I could have been petty and mentioned her marriage wasn’t legal and I was his wife, but instead, I said, “Yes, Mrs. McCabe.”

  A girl had to keep her job. I glanced over at the wall of glass that separated us from Eddie and noticed his back to us. I picked up the phone, as it was similar to what we had at my former job, and pressed the button labeled intercom. I prayed my next words wouldn’t fill the sound system of the entire office.

  “Mr. McCabe, your wife is here,” I said, trying to disguise my voice in a tone two octaves higher than my normal one.

  I didn’t see him turn, but when she grinned and waved, I figured he was looking in our direction. The door opened with a soft hiss of air. He said nothing as he ushered her inside.

  The door hadn’t quite closed and I heard her next words.

  “Another pretty one. You like to be surrounded by beautiful women.”

  I didn’t catch his response as the door closed, sealing them in. The soundproofing had to be some highly technical stuff considering the glass. But then, out of the corner of my eye, I watched as the clear glass turned opaque. Holy shit. I shifted around, and yes, I couldn’t see inside the room anymore. That had to be one of the coolest things I’d seen. Though maybe that was normal for tech savvy offices. I had no clue. My office was traditional in every sense of the word. My office. No. I no longer had a job.

  Ten minutes later of taking messages, the door opened.

  “I’ll see you in three weeks,” Chelsea said.

  She didn’t say a word to me and kept moving in a way that had all males staring at her.

  “You must be the temp. I’m Eddie—”

  His words abruptly cut off when he stepped in my view.

  “What the fuck?”

  I ignored him and answered another call. I placed it on hold and told Eddie who it was.

  “Have him call me back and get in my office now.”

  If not for the wide-open spaces, I might have told him off for commanding me like a drill sergeant might. Instead, I complied and followed him inside.

  “Did you bring the paper?”

  It was sitting on my car seat. In my blind rage, I’d forgotten about it.

  “No, I didn’t.”

  “Then why are you here? Think you can play games?”

  Enough was enough. I got in his face and announced, “I’m not playing games. You got me fired and now you owe me.”

  Chapter Six

  It was his turn to look taken aback and cursed. He ran a hand through his thick brown hair.

  “I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

  I glared at him. “Yeah, well, it did. Now you owe me.”

  I couldn’t read his expression as he glared at me. Did he want to yell or kiss me?

  A knock sounded on his door. We glanced up to see Kate standing with a young woman. Her ston
y gaze landed on me and I knew I’d been caught.

  Eddie waved her in. Before she came forward, she said something to the young woman with her and pointed in the direction of the desk I’d been occupying. The woman sat and Kate came in with spitfire in her eyes.

  “I’m sorry, Mr. McCabe. I thought that woman was the temporary I’d requested.”

  Eddie was all business. “It’s okay, Kate.”

  “I will escort her out.”

  She glared at me as if that was enough to get me moving with my tail between my legs. I turned to Eddie, wondering what he would say next.

  “Actually, Jillian here is my new assistant.”

  Kate’s expression mirrored mine. Her wide eyes bounced between her boss and me.

  “But, she hasn’t been fully vetted.”

  Eddie’s brow arched. “I know, Kate, but she’s more than capable of handling the job. I think she’s proven that already and fooled you.”

  Kate’s cheeks pinkened as he pointed out to her that I’d taken charge without any direction.

  “Yes, Mr. McCabe. And what salary should I put on the offer letter?”

  She was speaking to him as if I wasn’t there.

  “Pay her whatever we were paying Morgan.”

  Kate looked as though she wanted to balk but composed herself. “I’ll have the paperwork this afternoon. However, it seems unfair to send the temporary home.”

  I jumped in. “She could help the receptionist. It seems as though she needs the assistance at least for today.”

  Kate narrowed her eyes, but Eddie said, “That’s a good idea.”

  Kate left grinding her teeth to bite back whatever she’d wanted to say to me and my suggestions. Once she and the young woman were gone, I spun to face Eddie.

  “Work for you,” I enunciated every syllable.

  He shrugged. “I got you fired and now you have a job.”

  “I have a marketing degree,” and the student loans to prove it. But I didn’t say that out loud.

  “And you can work for me while you find another job. I can provide you with a reference,” he said smoothly.

  “A reference as an assistant. That’s not going to help me get a job in my field.”