Just Go

by Dauphin, M.

“Where to, ma’am,” I smile when I see her grinning at my forced twang. Every now and then it slips, when I forget where I am. Most times it goes unnoticed, but I like her grin, so I’ll let it slide with her.

  “Can you pull over?” She looks at me anxiously.

  “What?”

  “Just… stop driving, okay?” she pleads. I slow the car and pull into the first parking spot I see.

  Once I’m parked, I turn and look at her. She’s worried about something, that much I can tell. Her hands are clasped, her face is tense.

  “What’s wrong, Annaliese?”

  She sighs, then looks up at me with glistening eyes and a sad smile on her face.

  “Adam, I’m not sure about… this,” she whispers, damn near close to tears. “It’s all so crazy. A few hours ago I was dead set on believing you wouldn’t ever be capable of being a decent human being—“

  “Thanks for that, by the way,” I interject and she cocks her head at me. I know she was just believing what she was told, but to assume that much bad about me, without ever actually talking to me about it, still stings.

  “I’m not saying what I believed was the truth, but at the time I thought it was. Imagine building a picture of someone in your head and believing it for a long time, then come to find out suddenly it’s all been a lie.”

  “Oh, I can imagine that quite perfectly, actually.” Her father put himself on the top of my shit list tonight.

  “So now what?” Her eyes are big and her lips are shiny. She’s so damn beautiful.

  “Now… we see where this goes,” I say hesitantly. I’d rather tell her that now we start planning our future, because I’m damn sure she’s the girl for me, but I’m not certain she knows the same truth just yet.

  “I’m afraid.” Her voice is barely a whisper as she moves her gaze somewhere outside the car. Somewhere away from me.

  “Of what?”

  “Everything, Adam,” she says then returns those piercingly beautiful eyes to me. “You’re famous. Women throw themselves at you daily, you have more money than I’ve ever dreamed of having, and your business is huge. How would I even begin to fit into your lifestyle? I’ve been hurt before by men, Adam, but….” she trails off and the sad look in her eyes makes me want to kiss all of the hurt away.

  “But?” I push gently, wanting to hear all of it.

  “Most of all, I’m afraid you’ll hurt me, and I won’t make it out in one piece,” she whispers. Ashamed. Her lips press together and her face shows more emotion now than I’ve ever seen come out of her.

  “Hurt you? Annaliese, I’d never hurt you.” How can she think this? I could have anyone, but I chose her. I want her.

  “Not on purpose, maybe. But something’s bound to happen.”

  “You can’t think that way. This is new to me, too, you know. We take baby steps, and we do this together.” She can’t. I won’t let her. I’m not saying I’m not scared, but I’m not going to let it stop me from taking this chance.

  Sometimes that one person comes along that makes you want to take every chance. Annaliese is my chance. My chance at being better.

  She’s looking down again, thinking way too much about this. I reach over and gently lift her chin enough so her eyes meet mine. Looking into her eyes right now, I feel like I can see into her soul. She’s scared, she’s curious, but she’s also excited.

  “We’ve got this, Annaliese.” I slowly move towards her, across the console of the car, and gently kiss her soft lips. “Give me a chance.” Please, I think but don’t say. I’m not to the point of begging yet, but I’m not above it. Screw her dad.

  She sighs and opens her eyes.

  “Just one.” She’s hesitant but there’s a smile playing on her lips. She wants this more than she’s letting one.

  Yes.

  “That’s all I need.” The smile that breaks across my face feels foreign, but so good. I’m certain I’ve never felt this level of happiness before. I lean across and kiss her harder than earlier. A kiss that tells her I’m all in, I’m here with her, and she’s with me, and nothing can stop us.

  Then her phone rings.

  “Sorry,” she smiles as she reaches for it. “My dad. He worries.”

  I take a breath to calm the nerves that are running through my system. He’s going to make this incredibly difficult.

  “Hey, Daddy,” she answers as I silently count down from 100 to calm myself and not pull the phone from her and tell him how I really feel. “Yeah okay,” she looks worried then glances over at me and smiles. “I gotta go, Daddy. I’ll take care of it in the morning.” She waits a moment longer, then sighs. “Fine.” She clips, then presses ‘end’ and puts her phone back in her purse.

  “Everything alright?” I want to know everything he said to her, but that’d be a little too intrusive.

  “Yeah,” she sighs. “He’s just protective. Sometimes too protective.” She groans. “I have to get home.” Dammit, I was hoping she’d end up at my place. I still can’t get the thought of being inside her again out of my head.

  “You sure? It’s still early,” I say hopeful. She gives me a sad shrug and smiles.

  “There’s stuff with work that came up. My dad needs it done tonight. And apparently I have a meeting with him in the morning about an employee of mine.” She rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be, you’re just doing your job. I’ll get ya home.” I take her hand in mine and move it to my mouth, laying a gentle kiss on her knuckle. The minute my lips hit her skin I feel a warmth spread throughout my body. I want her, and from the look in her eyes she’s on the same page as I am, but she’s also a dedicated worker, and I respect that.

  The drive back to her place doesn’t take too long, but I don’t let go of her hand the entire time. I need the connection to her. She’s so real, and everything else in my world seems so fake. Plus, her hands fit perfectly in mine. By the time we pull onto her street, my mood has taken a dive. I don’t know how to do goodbyes like this. Because I want to see her again. Soon.

  I pull in front of her apartment building and kill the engine. She makes a move to get out of the car but I stop her. I’m determined to show her I’m more than a rich, smug asshole. Walking around to her side of the car, I take note of the things that are less than stellar about her living conditions. How in the world would Vick let her live in a place like this, but be so protective of other aspects of her life? Something seems terribly wrong about this.

  “Thank you for tonight, Adam. It was wonderful.” She smiles and her face lights up. Just one smile from her, that’s all I need to get my heart racing again. One smile.

  “When do I get to see you again?”

  “I’ve got a few late meetings this week, but text me. I’m sure I can fit you in,” she grins then winks. I pull her to me and wrap my arms around her. Her brown eyes look up and me and she smiles. “Sorry I’m calling it an early night. I really was looking forward to a… second dessert.” The grin on her face tells me exactly what she’s talking about, and if she doesn’t watch it she’s going to be feeling just what she’s missing out on.

  “Mmm... sounds delicious.” I kiss her and hug her tighter, not wanting to let go.

  “It is. I’ve tried it before, and it just makes me want more,” she whispers then pushes away from me. “Next time, Mr. Chicago. That’s a promise.”

  I smile and chuckle as she walks to her apartment building, leaving me standing in the dark, on the side of the road, grinning like a fool. Once I see she’s safely inside, I return to my car and lock the doors. It’s not even ten yet, so I grab my phone and call Benton.

  “What, dude?” he groans sleepily.

  “Were you sleeping?” I laugh. “Old man.”

  “Shut up. What do you need?”

  “B, we got a problem.” I say. Changing my mood to serious business in three seconds flat has always been a talent of mine. Not that I’m not still over the moon that Annaliese is mine, but I have other pres
sing issues to deal with now that she’s safe inside her apartment.

  Like her father.

  Chapter 13

  Annaliese

  It’s only Tuesday, but so much has already happened this week that I feel like it should be Friday. Now I’m running on three hours sleep, four cups of coffee, and it’s only five am. I laugh to myself then realize I’m laughing all alone in a dark and empty office at five am. I’m not even sure why I’m here this early, but my father requested something from me, so here I am. Always trying to please him.

  I’m not certain when it became my life goal to make him happy, but there have been so many times I did something just to satisfy him that I’ve lost count. Going to school to be an educator or administrator was something I did because I love it, and it was my way of telling him I’m done living my life just to please him. I want to live for me. Ironic, really, since here I sit in an empty office building, before the sun comes up, waiting for him to get here for a meeting he called last night after dark. All because I wasn’t able to make it in this world without his help.

  Then, to add to that depressing thought, last night, my view of my father was blown out of the water when I realized he’s been lying to me about Adam this whole time. I figured they knew each other from the way my father talks about him, but now that I know he lied about him, I can’t help but wonder what else he’s lying about.

  My phone rings and I pick up before the second ring.

  “Annaliese Ryder,” I say, holding back a yawn.

  “Hey.” Adam’s voice soothes my nerves and makes me smile.

  “Hey, you. What’re you doing up this early?”

  “Business meeting out of town today, getting a head start on traffic.”

  “Ah, good thinking.” The yawn creeps out and I hear him laugh.

  “I’m beginning to think I bore you, Annaliese. Always yawning around me.”

  “Sorry. This job is just so… ugh.” I typically don’t bitch to others about things, but I’m over this job and it’s only been a week.

  “Glad to hear it’s not me.” I hear his smile. There are a few car horns in the background and a door slams and makes everything silent again. “When do I get to see you again, Annaliese?” His voice is low and gravely, like he’s trying his hardest to keep this conversation to himself and not let anyone else around hear him. Just the thought of seeing him again has my stomach in a bunch of nerves.

  “I’m free on Friday,” I answer as I see my father walking into the office. “I’ve gotta go.”

  “I’m putting you down for Friday.”

  “Later,” I say, smiling as my dad as he walks in and sits down. “Hey, Daddy.”

  “Annaliese. You look tired, are you getting enough sleep?” he sounds worried, but he’s the one that forced me to be here this early today.

  “I’m fine, Dad. What’s up?”

  “Did you finish the paperwork from the transfer?”

  “I did, but it didn’t make any sense. Why am I losing three drivers? And where are they going?” I don’t really care, but I need to sound like I care about my job a little bit. All I care about is finding a real job. One that I love doing, not one that I dread going to because of terrible hours and terrible employees.

  “Annie, you’ve had… complaints. People aren’t taking to working with the boss’s daughter too kindly.” He shakes his head and sighs. I don’t want to be talking about this. I want to be talking about why he lied to me about Adam and what else he’s lied to me about.

  “That’s their own fault. They just aren’t used to actually having to work,” I mumble then glance at my father’s shocked expression. “So who am I getting as a replacement?”

  “Joe’s moving over to help you out until we get new people in here,” he answers shortly, then stands and makes his way towards the door. Turning like he forgot something, he looks at me and cocks his head. “How was your night last night, dear?”

  I furrow my eyebrows at his strange question, wanting to come back with a smartass comment. Instead I smile and cock my head at him curiously.

  “Fine, thanks,” is all I give him. He doesn’t need to know about my relationship with Adam. Not yet, at least. I’m certain he won’t be happy about it, so I need to try to figure out a way to warm him up to Adam before announcing that we’re together.

  By three o’clock I’m beat. Being short drivers has made scheduling insane. Hopefully my dad gets people in here soon, or I’m going to have to start carting these rich people’s asses around myself.

  Joe’s been a huge help in figuring out schedules. I can’t help but feel something for the man every time he comes near me, but knowing that Adam is insistent on being with me and only me, I can’t exactly make a move on Joe. Not that I really want to, knowing what waits for me with Adam. Jesus, just thinking about Adam and everything I want to do to him has me wet and ready. I’m not certain I’ll be able to wait until Friday for him. Deciding to see what his plans are tonight, since I’m off in an hour and cancelled dinner plans with my parents, I grab my phone to text him, just in case he’s not busy.

  ME: Hey. Are you free later on?

  I hit send and wait. Sitting at my desk there are so many other things I could be doing right now, but I don’t want to do any of it. I want to stare at my phone and read his message as soon as it comes through. Knowing him, though, he’s probably busy and won’t be able to get to his phone for a while. He’s important, he’s rich, and he’s busy. He told me Friday; I just should have waited.

  Then my phone dings.

  ADAM: After 11, yes. What’s up?

  Well, that’s a nice surprise. He’s prompt, and he’s free. It’s late, but I couldn’t care less. He’s making time for me and I need to see him. I want to see him.

  ME: Don’t wanna wait ‘til Friday. ;)

  ADAM: I was hoping you’d say that.

  Damn he’s fast. My stomach starts to flutter at all of the ways I want him to take me. Mostly, though, my nerves are a wreck.

  I know it’s not just sex anymore. It’s a relationship. With the wealthiest man in the city.

  And he only wants me.

  I throw my stuff into my bag and head out of my office. Passing a practically empty office, I smile at Joe as I head towards the doors.

  “Where you headin’?” he asks as my hand reaches for the door. I sigh and look back at him.

  “Home. You cool with that? I’ve been here since before the sun came up. I’m exhausted.”

  “Absolutely, I’ve got this. Get some rest.” I open the door to leave and he calls for me again. “Have a good night, Annie.”

  “You too, Joe,” I give him my most sincere smile, though my brain is telling me not to, since he could very well mix that into something I’d rather him not.

  The entire drive home I’m worrying over Adam. Am I making the right choice in being with him? What’s my family going to say? Will I still have a job when my dad figures out I’m sleeping with one of his clients? Shit! I don’t want my dad to know I’m sleeping with anyone. Those thoughts plague my head until I get home and finally fall asleep, texting Gabby to be incredibly quiet when she gets home. Actually threatening bodily harm to her if she wakes me. I need my rest for Adam. Something tells me he’ll be keeping me up all night.

  ***

  “Annaliese,” his voice drums into my dream and I smile.

  Sure, Adam. You can take over my dream any night.

  “Annaliese,” he whispers, then nips my ear. Jesus, that feels so real. So hot. “Wake up, Annaliese.” His lips land right under my ear and I gasp, feeling the heat and wetness between my legs start to pool.

  “Mmm,” I moan as his hands push the hair out of my face.

  “Hey, my Sweet,” he says, this time in a sweeter tone than before.

  “Hey,” I mumble sleepily, then my eyes shoot open and see him. Fully clothed, propped up on his elbow, grinning at me.

  “It’s after eleven,” he smiles and laughs at me as I’m still t
rying to wake up.

  “That’s… I laid down at five!” I sit up and look around at my dark room. Jesus, I must have been more tired than I thought. My stomach rumbles, reminding me I haven’t eaten yet, and I groan. “No. I had things I needed to do tonight!” I moan and lay back down on the bed, throwing my arm over my eyes, not caring that Adam’s currently seeing a not so flattering side of me.

  “Eat would be one of them, I’m guessing.” He chuckles when my stomach grumbles at me again, protesting the fact that I haven’t fed it in almost twelve hours.

  “That... and shower... and work... and… shit,” I sigh, removing my arm to see him smiling down at me. “What’re you smiling at?”

  “You’re cute when you’re pissed.”

  “I’m not a morning person.”

  “Not a middle of the night person, either, apparently,” he laughs and I shove at him, barely making him move. “Hey, don’t shoot the messenger! Let’s get you up and feed you.”

  “Wait,” I sit up, staring at him. “How’d you get in here?”

  “Your roommate let me in. I’m fairly certain she hates me.”

  “She doesn’t hate you.” I smile sleepily. “She just strongly dislikes the man she sees you as.”

  He raises his eyebrow at me and I laugh.

  “You know, playboy deluxe. Never giving a shit what women want.” I shrug and grin. “You did it to yourself, you know. She’s just worried you’re gonna crush me. That if you break me….” I trail off and his gaze locks with mine. “If you break me, I won’t come back from it.”

  He sighs and rubs his jaw, then sits next to me again. Taking my hand in his, he stares at our connection as his thumb traces over my knuckles. Silently thinking about my words, we sit there for what seems like hours before he speaks.

  “Is that how you feel, still, Annaliese? Like I’m going to crush you? Like I’m too much for you?” His voice is tired, but his eyes are anything but. When they lock on mine I feel the pull in my heart that I’ve started to feel around him. A warming sensation that makes every nerve in my body on edge, almost tingling.

  “No,” I whisper. “I used to, before I got to know you. You’re a good man, Adam. I was all wrong about you.”