Just Go

by Dauphin, M.

  “I’m new at this, forgive me. I don’t typically play the ‘get to know you’ game with the women I’m with. Why don’t you try telling me a little about yourself?” His gaze isn’t lifting to mine this time when he talks to me, but I’m okay with it. I feel like I’m about to break down, my heart is beating faster than it does when I run and my hands are clamming up. Why does tonight feel more like an interview and less like the date I thought it was?

  This I can do. This is easy compared to telling a man you are growing strong feelings for that you can’t be with him because he’s an asshole cheater.

  “Well, you know my father so I’m sure you have a grand idea of my upbringing. Moved here from New York before I was a teenager. Just finished up college. Live in a not so wonderful part of the city, but it’s all mine. Pretty typical early twenties girl.” I shrug. I’d rather not go into the details of how sad my life has become this last week. If he can be vague and not talk about himself, I can play the same game.

  “What do you do for a living?”

  “Work for my father’s company right now. I’m waiting to hear back from schools that I applied to for positions this fall, but no one is hiring right now. My dad offered me a job in his offices as a branch manager and I took it.”

  “How do you like it?” his eyes narrow at the mention of me working for my dad but I don’t pay much attention to it. He seems like a moody type of person, always on the lookout for someone out to wrong him.

  “Honestly?”

  “It’s the only way I play.” His eyes narrow and I know he’s hinting at something else. Maybe he knows I’m holding something back from him. He’s good at reading me, so I’m sure he knows that’s not all I know about him. Heck, he’s not dumb. He has to know that everyone in this city knows about him.

  “I hate it. There’s a few employees on my staff that truly have it out for me. I’m trying to feel comfortable there, but it’s not what I went to school for so it’s not where my heart lies,” I answer honestly.

  “You’re having employee problems?”

  “Just one in particular. She’s being a huge pain in the ass, but I think it’s because I took a spot that she was certain she deserved.”

  “Your father doesn’t just throw people into positions. He’s a smart man and does everything for a reason,” he says then takes a sip of his drink.

  “You’re right there. How do you know my father anyway? You talk about him like he’s an old friend.”

  “He’s been helping out my company and myself personally for years.”

  “I’m sure he thanks you for your business,” I smile at him.

  “We are both of aid to each other,” he says cryptically. I wonder what he means by that, but I feel like he wouldn’t tell me even if I ask.

  “That’s great,” I say instead.

  Our food comes and I dive in. I’ve never been a girl afraid to eat her weight in food. I’ve always been active, either with dance, gym, or running. Hitting the gym is just second nature to me, and my metabolism has never been a problem, so eating a huge Italian meal isn’t going to kill me. When I look up, I see him watching me in awe.

  “What?” I say incredibly unladylike while chewing my food. “I’m not sorry. This food it way too delicious.”

  He laughs and smiles, the first real smile I’ve gotten out of him since we left the apartment, then shakes his head.

  “You amaze me, Annaliese,” he laughs. “First girl ever to eat like that in front of me and not be ashamed.”

  “I have nothing to be ashamed for,” I say after taking a drink of water.

  “You are absolutely correct.” His eyes pin mine and I’m unable to look away. I feel the heat beginning to pool again, the draw to him becoming stronger, and I’m amazed that he can do this to me with just one look. I need to calm myself down. I’m strung so tight and have been through so many emotional loop-de-loops tonight that I’m afraid I’m going to burst out in tears the next time he gives me one of his intense stares.

  “Would you excuse me, please? I need to use the restroom,” I say as I stand and head towards the bathroom. The one place I will be able to collect my thoughts without his gaze landing on me.

  “Absolutely,” he smiles and my panties melt a little more. Jesus, this man does all kinds of things to me.

  I walk quickly, nervous that I’ll fall again since these heels aren’t anywhere near my normal type of shoes, but I really need to get away from his gaze. Tonight feels so much different than the last few times we’ve been together. Though the last few times we were together were based on sex, and not really trying to build a friendship. This is harder than I thought it would be. My mind is throwing me for loops every few minutes. One minute I think I can see myself with him, the next I’m mentally slapping myself for even thinking that. He’s way too much for me, and I’d never be able to trust him after what he did to his wife. The sex and chemistry between us is undeniable, but I can’t put myself through that. Anyway, I’m still having a hard time believing why he would want a girl like me. Mousy brown hair, curls that are untamable, giant eyes that are too big for her face. My long and lean legs are pure brilliance, but the rest of me is just like any other normal girl.

  I’m staring at myself in the mirror when an older lady walks in and smiles at me. She’s beautiful for her age, the look of a pure mother. Like someone who spent their whole life taking care of others. Someone comfortable.

  “Hello," she says to me, a warm smile spreading across her face.

  “Hi,” I answer.

  “You’re the young lady with Adam tonight, aren’t you?” How in the world does she know that? We’re sitting in a corner where no one can see either of us.

  “Um, yeah,” I answer, confused.

  “I’m Elle, Paolo’s wife. He wouldn’t stop talking about the young beauty that Adam brought in. So proud of that young man.” Her smile is so sweet, I hate to break her heart about the type of person Adam really is. One that’s lying, cheating, and will do anything for money. I’ll just make sure to leave out the fact that he’s the best sex I’ve ever had, and probably will have. And the fact that I can’t stop obsessing over him. “You seem lost.” Her voice breaks into my thoughts.

  “Oh sorry. I’m Annaliese,” I hold out my hand to shake hers when she pulls me into a hug.

  “You’re wonderful, Annaliese. Adam is a lucky man. He deserves something good in his life.”

  “Really?” I realize I said it out loud as soon as I see the look on her face change to a serious look.

  “Oh yes. I still remember the day he found her. Poor man, poor, poor man.” She shakes her head and pats me on the shoulder. “Take care of him, and treat him well. He might look tough on the outside, but we’re all worried about him.” She walks into a stall, leaving me stunned and alone, staring at the bathroom wall.

  What did she mean by that? How strange would it be if I continued to talk to her while she was going to the bathroom? Really freaking weird, Ann. Don’t be that person. I wash my hands quickly and head back to the table, slowly walking to gather my thoughts. If he found her, that would mean he didn’t cheat on her, right? And if that’s the case, then my entire belief that he isn’t cut out for a relationship is crap.

  “Hey, you were gone for a while. Everything okay?” He asks worriedly as I sit back down.

  “No lies, right? You said earlier you only play by the truth. Right?” I blurt before my head has a chance to catch up with my thoughts. My hearts beating out of my chest. This could change everything.

  “Uh, right….” His eyebrows furrow. “What happened?”

  “Did you cheat on her?” If I waited any longer, I probably would have chickened out, so I let the ball drop and see his facial features relax. He smiles, a very relaxed smile. A smile I haven’t seen on him yet tonight. Then, he leans in towards me, elbows resting on the table. Looking me square in the eyes, he clears his throat before he talks.

  “Annaliese Ryder,” he starts and I ge
t chills from his gaze. “I never cheated on my wife.”

  “But—”

  “Do you always believe everything you read in magazines, Annaliese?”

  “I don’t—“

  “What about the Internet? Are you a believer that everything you see online is true?”

  “No, but—“

  “So why is it that you believed so strongly something about me, something so personal that only I would know the truth, just because someone in the media told you?”

  I’m stunned. Shocked. His eyes are pinned to mine and I don’t know what to say. This changes everything, and now I feel like a terrible person for judging him like I did, before even getting to know him.

  “My father told me,” I whisper.

  Our dessert arrives but Adam never takes his eyes off mine. The waiter speaks to us, and Adam replies, but I can’t hear anything over the ringing in my ears. Why would my dad lie to me like that? I don’t follow gossip magazines, and only every now and then watch shows about celebrities, so I never had a reason to second-guess him before. Plus, my dad never lies to me. Ever.

  We sit in silence, staring at each other for what feels like lifetimes. His jaw ticks, and he shakes his head and chuckles to himself, finally breaking eye contact.

  “So that’s it? Your dad told you, and that’s what you believe?”

  “Sounds crazy, but that’s why I believed him. My dad has never lied to me, Adam. I've had no reason to second guess him.” Now I wonder how many times he’s really lied to me and what secrets he’s keeping.

  “And now?” His gaze meets mine again. It’s such a loaded question.

  “I don’t know,” I whisper, shifting my gaze to the table. I know it means that my dad lied to me. I know it means that Adam isn’t the cheater that I always thought he was. I know it also means that my belief that Adam isn’t good relationship material has been thrown completely out the window. I don’t know how to tell him all of that yet, though, because I’m not sure how I feel about that. This means that he might actually want to be with me, and only me. I’m not sure I’m strong enough for a relationship with him, though. He’d crush me.

  “Do you still believe him?”

  “No,” I whisper then move my eyes back up to him.

  A smile breaks across his face and warms parts of my body that react to him so well.

  “Good.”

  Chapter 12

  Adam

  My phone won’t stop buzzing in my pocket but I ignore it. Annaliese’s eyes are huge, waiting for me to say something. I’d love to proclaim my feelings for her right now, but that’d really push her away. She’s so timid when it comes to me, and so outgoing with the rest of her life. I at least know why she’s like that now. She’s thought this entire time that I’m a cheater, all because her damn father lied to her about me. I thought that Vick and I were on good terms, but it seems that I’m going to have to have a little chat with him next time I talk with him. He’s been spreading lies about me, and that I’m not okay with.

  “Try it,” I say taking a piece of the chocolate dessert that was delivered to us on my fork and holding it up to her. She opens her mouth and lets me feed her the warm dessert, moaning as she closes her mouth around the delicious piece of chocolate heaven. I made sure that Paolo knew to send their best foods out to us tonight, and her reaction to her meal and desert has not disappointed. Hell, I couldn’t stand up right now if I needed to, since I’ve been sporting full wood since I first laid eyes on her tonight. Even with the intense discussion topic, my dick never stood down like it knows what it's supposed to do around Annaliese. Just watching her mannerisms and facial expressions make me want to take her over the table right now—my cock is already nodding its head in agreement. I can’t do that, for so many reasons, but my brain and my dick aren’t friends right now.

  “You like?” I growl as she licks her lips of the chocolate left behind and smiles at me, her eyes glowing, but still worried.

  “Delicious. Thank you.”

  “So, Annaliese.” I hear my voice, but I can’t stop the words from coming out of my mouth. My heart’s beating and I feel like I’m sweating. I’ve never been this damn nervous before—even on my wedding day. I’ve never felt anything like what I feel for her. It’s mind boggling, knowing what she does to me when she has no clue she’s doing it.

  “So, Adam.” She’s grinning at me. Grinning! She’s been on edge all night, and for good reason. She knew I was upset, and I had every right to be. She has every right to be upset right now, too, but not at me. At her father. The man who caused all this drama tonight.

  “You ready to get outta here?” I need to get her back to my place. I need to show her how much she means to me. Annaliese is not just another ‘fuck.’ She’s the real thing. I want to keep her with me, I want to be the one that makes her smile first thing in the morning, and the one that makes her sigh last thing at night. The thought used to piss me off when other women would try to force themselves into my life, but it all feels so natural with Annaliese.

  There’s just one problem with this whole thing.

  Her father.

  “Sure, that sounds great,” she says, then puts her hand over her mouth as she tries to hide a yawn. The cutest damn yawn I’ve ever seen. I smile and her eyes go wide when she realizes she just yawned on our date. “Oh God, I’m sorry. I’m not bored, I promise. I just… haven’t been sleeping well since this job started.” Her voice falls and I can’t tell if she sad, embarrassed, or both. I’m slightly pissed off that she’s having to work for her father, and even more so that she hates her job. As much as I’m a workaholic, I love my job and my company. I try to make it worth my employee’s time to work for me, and I try to make it to where they enjoy their job as much as I do. To hear that someone like her hates what she has to do for a living, because she can’t work in the field she loves, is enough to piss me off. Not at her, but at society.

  “It’s okay, don’t worry about it.” I smile at her and she relaxes. “Come on, let’s go.” I stand, holding my hand out for her to take. When her small hand comes around mine my dick jumps just from her touch. Every time.

  We thank Paolo and he makes her promise that he’ll see her again, and though her agreement just seems polite, I see another visit for us here in the future. If I have it my way, we’d eat here every week. And I’m a man that almost always gets his way. My phone buzzes in my pocket again for the fifth time tonight and I sigh, pulling it out to glance at the screen.

  Shit.

  “Hey, I need to take this. I’ll be right back,” I tell her as I kiss her forehead and walk to the side of the building, leaving her waiting in the alley with Paolo for our car. I hate to leave her there, but I’d rather not have this conversation around her.

  “What?” I snap as I put the phone to my ear.

  “You aren’t here,” his voice comes through the phone, trying to intimidate me.

  “No, and I may not be for a while, Vick.”

  “Mind telling me what the sudden change is? We had a lot riding on your bets.” That sentence right there tells me everything I need to know. It has to be coming from the inside. There’s no other option.

  “Why don’t you tell me? I’m tired of my fighter being put up against people double his size. I’m tired of the damn looks your men have been giving me. And I’m tired of the phone calls and threats, Vick.”

  “No one is threatening you, Adam.”

  “So you know about this?” I’m about to jump through the phone and strangle him. Vick Ryder has gone from someone I respect to someone I’d like to beat the shit out of in a matter of an hour tonight.

  “Of course. There’s nothing I don’t know about, Adam.” The line goes silent but I know he’s still there. “Nothing.”

  Shit. There’s no way he can have eyes on Annaliese at all times. There’s no way he knows about us, or he’d be…. Oh shit.

  “It’s you, isn’t it?”

  “She’s off limits, Adam. I th
ought we knew that.” Holy hell. He is talking about my girl.

  “Why go to these lengths, Vick?” And why does he think me losing a little bit of money would make me stop seeing her? None of this makes sense.

  “You need to learn, Adam. Things don’t always go your way.”

  “You’re threatening my fighter and his family over her!” I scream at him, my voice echoing down the alley.

  “You don’t know how to play by the rules, Mr. Chicago.” He emphasize the last syllables, like he’s mocking me. I didn’t give myself that damn nickname and I hate hearing it.

  “Goddammit, Vick, she’s a grown woman.”

  “She’s my daughter, Adam. Stay away from her,” he growls then hangs up.

  Son of a bitch.

  My mind is racing and I can’t think straight. I can’t let go of her; I just got her. Hell, I barely have her. He’s nuts if he thinks I’m going to bow down to him. I have so much dirt on him he would rot in jail if authorities ever got wind of it. He should be afraid of everything I could to do him. Instead, he’s threatening me, like he has the upper hand. We’ll see about that.

  “Everything okay?” Her voice rings down the alley and cuts through the ringing in my ears. I can’t believe this is all because someone messed with his daughter. Someone had the nerve to fall for his daughter, and fall hard. Shit.

  “Yeah, great. Sorry about that. Trouble at work.” I turn off my phone and shove it in my pocket, then walk towards her and pull her into a tighter hug than I originally planned. I can’t let this girl go. She makes me feel more than I’ve ever felt. She makes me feel real. “You ready?” My voice is gravely and emotional, full of hatred for the man that raised her.