“Don’t leave me this way,” I begged in the softest of whispers. “For god’s sake, Chase… don’t leave me this way…”
“Where were you last night?” It was a rare morning that Gran came to the kitchen for her breakfast instead of waiting for her tray. “I heard voices downstairs...and the front door.”
“Just dinner with a friend,” I replied, as casually as I could. I dropped a teabag into her mug and pushed the sugar bowl closer. “You were already asleep… But Tammy was here. And I was home before midnight.” I poured my own coffee and bit my tongue.
“You know I expect to meet your friends, Emily… Or was this something more than a friend...?”
I sighed, digging deep for patience. “It was just business over a meal, Gran,” I replied. “I’ve been asked to do a bridal shower… the cake, plus a real buffet.” I sat down and took her hands in mine. “I’ll get to cook again, just like it used to be. And a lot more work could come from this.” I reached up, smoothing her greying hair. “I want to make you proud of me…”
‘You’re a good girl,” she said, taking her hand out from under mine. “I just want to make sure you stay that way.
Now help me get my bath before you run off to work. I want a shampoo today… and don’t forget, we have the doctor at two-thirty. And tell me next time, before you stay out so late. I don’t sleep soundly until I know you’re home safe…”
I cleared the table dutifully and left her with her tea. I gathered an armload of clean towels and sat on the edge of the tub, adjusting the temperature of the water carefully. As it ran, I caught sight of myself in the old mirror. The silvering was disappearing in places, leaving me looking spotted and strange, older than my years. The conversation between me and my grandmother hadn’t changed since I was fourteen years old. Be good… be responsible… try harder… don’t forget…
I flashed back to last night, Chase’s mouth on mine, his hand under my dress and caressing my thigh. I was tired of being good and being responsible. I wanted more than a life of endless work, always trying harder… and forever falling short…
I wanted to be the girl in the silver dress behind the bar. I wanted to be myself, wrapped in Chase’s arms on the beach, pulling up my hem and baring myself for him in front of the whole world. I was still young and I wanted so much more than life seemed to ever offer. There was so much out there to experience… and I wanted it all.
Whether I could have it or not, I didn’t know. I only knew that Chase had awakened something inside me. I had no idea where these feelings might lead. Of if it was wrong to be wanting more. I only knew I wasn’t the same girl I was before he had touched me.
And I didn’t want to be.
15
Chase
Three long days had passed since I’d seen Emily. I’d been off my game at work. Hell, I’d been distracted and fucking irritable enough that everyone must have noticed. I slammed my laptop shut and spun in my chair to stare out across the city. I heard the door open behind me.
“I brought coffee,” Ben said, holding it out like a peace offering. “Leaded, not decaf, although you seem wired enough already…” I took the cup with a grudging smile. “And your sister asked me to remind you about dinner tonight… with your father…”
“I know,” I said, taking a bitter sip. “He issues the summons, and we appear. It’s only been a fucking year, after all…”
“Well, I think it still means something to Amelia,” he replied, sitting down on the other side of my desk. “I think she needs as much loyal male support as she can get these days. Word is, now Cliff’s been photographed with some model he’s been screwing. It must have been humiliating enough before, but with goddamned proof…”
“That fucking bastard…,” I hissed through my teeth, slamming my cup down and burning the back of my hand in the process. “I confronted that asshole about this kind of shit, and he promised me he was through. He promised Amelia too… and she fucking believed him.” I raked my hands through my hair and leaned my elbows onto the desk. For a few long minutes, I couldn’t even speak. Amelia deserved so much more. She always had…
“Ben,” I began, staring at him hard and keeping my voice low. “This is exactly what made me swear off the fucking competition in the first place.
It was just a game in the beginning. A bunch of spoiled shits like us, looking for a thrill. But somewhere along the way, we lost the awareness that people can get hurt. The risks we took, that you and Sutton and the others are still taking, aren’t just our own risks. The women don’t even realize what’s at stake. And they end up the ones who pay the biggest price.”
“I know, he said, looking away from eyes. “I haven’t exactly sworn off the way you have, but I’m beginning to see why you did. The reputation of the company is a lot to risk, especially when it’s half the reason our investors are as generous as they are… But I don’t think Sutton has any intention of throwing in the towel. In fact, I hear he’s got something in the planning stages that’s gonna make last weekend look like a damned sewing circle.”
“Fuck… fuck…” I picked up my phone by reflex and slammed it back down. We were partners in the business. He was just as important to our success as I was, as Ben was. I had the right to choose my own behaviors, but did I have the right to dictate his? Maybe the fact that, sooner or later, there would be graphic and very public proof of our own depravity was privilege enough. We simply had too much to lose. And, one way or another, he would have to accept it. He would have to stop.
“Daddy,” Amelia leaned in to kiss his rough, reddened cheek. “You’re looking well… It’s so lovely of you to have invited us…”
“Lovely, indeed,” I said, grasping the hand my father extended. “John.” I gave a curt nod. “How was Switzerland?”
“Zurich is too cold this time of year,” he replied, withdrawing his hand and heading for the bar. His penthouse was empty most of the year, paid for by his third wife’s fortune… and his fourth’s.
“Scotch?” he asked, lifting the crystal decanter so that the amber fluid caught the light. “Cook says dinner will be a little late…”
“Just soda water for me,” Amelia said, sinking down into a velvet armchair. Dad lifted his bushy brows at me in question and I nodded, accepting the glass he offered.
“So… congratulations are in order,” he said, clapping me on the back and handing Lia her glass. “A five hundred million dollar deal… I heard about it on the AP.” He sat down next to my sister, dwarfing her with his size and the volume of his voice. “Remind me, what’s all that money actually for?”
“Forecasting global consumer trends,” I replied, bristling as I always did around my father. “That, and creating the infrastructure to support those trends.”
“Like building the wall first and then shooting craps against it,” he laughed, disagreeably. “Whatever keeps the cash rolling in, eh, son? Whatever it takes to keep on winning…”
I gritted my teeth and looked at my watch. Another hour… two, tops. Then he’d not-so-subtly ask for what he considered his due, and I’d be free of him for another year or so. Or at least, until the next big deal came through…
“So how’s my little kitten,” he went on, sitting down on the arm of Amelia’s chair. “And how is… uh… How’s your husband doing these days? You two still in that same condo?” I watched as Lia’s face went pale and her lower lip started to tremble.
“His name is Cliff,” I said through my teeth, working to keep my temper. “And you know damned well he moved out six months ago when he filed for separation. Or you would, if you gave a shit.”
“Of course, of course, that’s right. Some little indiscretion of his,” he patted the back of her head carelessly. “But that’s my girl… Smart enough to keep the real estate. Just make sure you come out on top… Did I already give you the number of my divorce attorney? Fine man, Pryce. The man could skin a mink coat off a Mexican Hairless…
Play your cards right, and you
could be set up for the rest of your life.”
It was the sound she made, coming from deep down inside… the sound of pure pain that had me pulling her to her feet, wrapping her in my arms. She buried her face in my shoulder and I could feel her silent sobs shaking her body.
“It’s only respect for her… that keeps me from telling you exactly what I think of you and your fucking philosophy,” I said, forcing my voice to stay low. “She isn’t looking to win anything, John. Her heart is broken, and she’s trying to find a way to forgive Cliff for hurting her.” I gathered her handbag from the chair without letting her go and grabbed our jackets from the back of the sofa. “And I don’t think either of us has any appetite for dinner anymore.”
With one free hand, I pulled the check out of my pocket… the one I knew from pure habit to have ready for him tonight. I drew out a pen and scrawled out my signature. The amount, I left blank.
“Just take what you want, John,” I said thrusting it into his open hand.
“Whatever your conscience allows you… The more time that passes before we have to see your face again, the better for all of us.”
16
Emily
I’d changed clothes twice already, and didn’t like this any better than the others. But it was understated, for sure… and spoke of nothing but business. A knee-length, slim black skirt and a high necked grey sweater. It could hardly give anyone the wrong impression…
“God, look at you.” Reese said, looking up from a bowl of chocolate ganache. “I swear, nobody but you could make that outfit look downright hot…”
I turned on my heel and headed up the stairs two at a time until she came after me, laughing.
“Get back down here, boss, or you’ll be late for your meeting. It was just a compliment…”
“The sweater’s too tight…”
“You look perfect. Now go already. Before Boothe goes and hires someone else.” Reese smiled and handed Tam the bowl of chocolate. “Then get your butt back here. Our darling bride, Becca, had changed her mind about the cake design… again…”
I had to laugh at the look on her face, but promised them both I’d be back before five. Sutton had told me to meet him at his office, that we could take care of the details in under an hour. Tam and Reese and I had already had a long day, but we could still get a few more hours in tonight.
I stuck the key into the ignition and revved the old van’s tired engine. The metal panels shuddered noisily as I pulled into traffic, and I tapped my nails anxiously against the steering wheel. It wasn’t concern about the job that had my heart pounding against my ribs. I already knew I’d take whatever job Sutton offered… and bend over backwards to give him a quote he couldn’t refuse. It was that I wasn’t just walking into Sutton’s workplace… It was Chase’s as well.
And underneath my simple, somber business attire, was a body that still thrummed with growing and unmet needs.
“Come in, please…” Sutton took my hand in both of his. They were warm and large. “Can I get you anything? Cappuccino…?” He smiled warmly into my eyes… then I felt his gaze drift downward…
“No, really… I’m fine,” I replied, taking a seat on a long, silver sofa with chrome trim. It sat, along with a glass coffee table, over by a modern wall fireplace. The huge, shallow space was cut into the wall itself and fully lined with burnished copper. A row of tall, narrow flames shot up from tiny gas jets…
“Thank you for taking the time to drop in,” he said, sitting down beside me, rather than in the chair across. “I was hoping for another chance to see you again… in person…”
I dug my nails into my palms to keep from blushing, remembering only too well the last time. He’d been fucking a girl only a few feet away from me…
“Yes… well…,” I dug into my slim leather shoulder bag and brought out the menus I’d worked up. “I went a couple of different ways with the notes you emailed,” I said, as professionally as I could. “Since it’s a much smaller affair, we could go lighter…,” I handed him the short list. “Or, if you prefer, we could go all out… really over the top.” I handed him the second list along with a sketch of the cake I’d designed and a silent prayer. It was more ambitious than anything we’d done so far… and priced only slightly more than cost. I wanted this job, and I was determined to get it.
“...a Bacchus…,” he said nodding, beginning to understand. He licked his lips and smiled.
“With clusters of grapes, flowers and jugs of wine… small marzipan nymphs at his feet. The cake itself can be almost life-size, made of devil’s food, and covered in white fondant. We can airbrush him to create the look of sculptured marble… It could be set in the entryway on a stone pedestal. I can even make a working wine fountain, a nice red maybe, flowing from the jug… so that the guests can fill their own glasses.”
“Yes… yes… this is perfect,” he said, turning his sinful smile toward me. “All of the figures nude and as lifelike as possible. I want decadence, Emily… complete and utter decadence.” He reached out and ran his fingertips along my cheek, barely touching. “But you’ll demand triple the price you’ve quoted… and I’ll pay it with pleasure,” he said, taking his cool fingers off my skin but keeping my eyes trapped with his.
“Can you do that for me, Emily…
And will you give me what I ask in return…?”
17
Chase
“And exactly what would that be?”
They turned in unison to stare at me in the doorway. Her eyes were wide and innocent. His were not.
“Maybe the most amazing edible masterpiece ever seen on the west coast,” Sutton said, standing up and coming over to hand me a pencil sketch. It was simple, skillful… a classically designed figure that reminded me of an Italian sculpture. Erotic and exquisite.
“I’m planning a little something in the penthouse,” Sutton went on, heading over to the bar to pour himself a drink, knowing full well I disliked his use of alcohol on the job.
“I’m aware,” I replied dryly. I shifted the papers in my hand and frowned down at Emily. “This can’t be the price you’re asking. It’s not enough by half…”
“I wanted the job…” she mouthed up at me, her eyes pleading. “Emi…,” I began, but Sutton cut me off.
“As a matter of fact, that’s the discussion you just rudely interrupted,” he said from across the room. “Emily and I were coming to an agreement, I think… weren’t we, sweetheart…?” He looked at her and I felt a wave of contempt run through me. “We’ve decided she’s worth a great deal more…”
He came over to us slowly, confidently and for a moment we stood almost toe to toe… eye to eye. I could see the telltale muscle twitching in his jaw. “Don’t you agree?” he asked, smiling… his eyes bright with challenge.
“What you saw behind that bar was nothing,” I said crossly. “And I don’t like this…
You’re getting in over your head.”
“I’m more than capable of making that cake,” she shot back as the elevator doors closed behind us. I’d gotten her… and myself… the fuck out of Sutton’s office before I’d given in to the impulse to wipe the satisfied smile off his face for good. “I know it’s ambitious, but he’s paying three times what I quoted. I know you warned me his parties can get a little wild, but it’s not like I’m a child…”
I let my eyes wander her sweet curves, made not less, but more tempting by the severity of her clothes. My body remembered the feel of hers, crushed against mine… my lips hungered for the taste of hers again… “I know you’re not,” I said, my voice deeper and more urgent than I intended. Through the soft grey knit of her sweater, I saw her nipples respond. They formed tight, hard balls that begged to be freed… begged to be sucked… One step toward her in the tiny elevator had our bodies within inches of each other. “Not a child at all…,” I breathed, “but you aren’t ready for the kind of games Sutton likes to play. Not ready at all…”
She was so close I could see th
e flecks of gold in her green eyes. Her lips parted as she looked up into my face and I could feel the warmth of her breath against my throat. “Emi…” The elevator doors opened with a quiet swoosh and we both exhaled hard, and stepped apart. The lobby was bustling with noise and activity, a hundred employees headed for home at the end of the day. I took her hand and led her out to the street.
“I’m over here,” she said, indicating the van across the street. “I appreciate your concern… really I do,” she said, digging into her bag for her keys. “But I can’t afford to turn down work, any work, but especially not this job. I know Mr. Boothe may not be the gentleman you are, but it’s not like we’re on his guest list. We’re just employees…”
I cut her off by pulling her into my arms. “I’m no fucking gentleman,” I whispered into her ear as people on the street pushed by us. “If you knew what I’d like to do to you, right here… right now…,” I took her heart-shaped face in one hand and teased her lips with the hint of a kiss. She drew in a fast, ragged breath and a delicious shudder ran through her. My cock was instantly hard. I took the keys from her hand and unlocked the van door. The seat was high… perfect…
I lifted her up, my hands spanning her little waist with ease. She put her hands on my chest as I lifted her off the ground and slipped her into the driver’s seat. And she left them there…
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