Never Give Up

by Heidi Lis

  “Man, I will beat your ass if you talk to her like that again.” Micah’s patience is running thin. I’m amazed he hasn’t hauled off and decked Nick by now.

  Nick huffs a breath holding up his hand, “No worries, I’m out of here. Good luck with this, Liza.” He says and walks out the door as well all stand too stunned to speak. I want to cry, but crying over Nick in front of Micah would be a disaster. Although he now knows how much Nick helped me over the years. I told him all about it.

  “What a dick.” Matt sighs.

  Rocking in place, I’m biting my nails. “He’s right, it’s my fault. I hurt him, and he’s pissed.”

  “Like HELL it is,” Micah shouts.

  Matt calmly adds, “Elsa, he fell for you. Right now, he can’t be a friend, but with time, he will come around.”

  Leave it to Matt to find the right words to make me feel better. Liza clears her throat, eyes looking sympathetic. “Pip, give him time. I’m having a really hard time with this, too. But I do see how much you two love one another…it’s great for you both. Unfortunately, he refuses to see it. He wanted it to be him.” To shock me even more, she comes to give me a hug.

  Looking over at Micah, she asks, “Take care of her, okay?”

  “You bet I will, and Liza, thanks for everything. I know the whole situation is difficult on all of us. I hurt you , and for that I’m truly sorry.”

  They pause a moment, lost in one another. It’s awkward, but I can’t get upset. Finally Liza sighs and smiles. “Yeah, I know. Get going and get into the new place. I’ll miss you at work too, Pip, but in time, I’ll call you…okay?”

  We share one last hug before we pack up the last of the boxes. Knowing I hurt my two best friends hurts, and I only hope one day they both can forgive me. I’ve got to learn to deal with it, my past is my past and that may include Nick in it. My future is sitting in his car holding my hand driving us to our new home. Its move in day!

  Boxes are all around the house, we hardly have any furniture, but Micah’s mom is on a mission to fill the house as quickly as possible. To be honest, having pillows around to sit on was kind of fun. We do have a bed, Micah had a king size bed and a top of the line mattress. It’s like sleeping in heaven, mine was a queen and it’s in one of the spare rooms.

  Matt left after the last box was brought into the house, so it’s just us. Micah orders Chinese and we are going to sit on our pillows and watch the TV, which is plugged in on the floor. Our first night, we are christening it with good food and hockey. Blackhawks are playing the Minnesota Wild, so to make Micah’s night, I pulled out my favorite player’s jersey. Yes, I’ve had it for a few years. Knowing it was my man’s favorite team, I followed as well. I swim in the damn thing, it’s more of a nightshirt. Jonathan Toews is my favorite player, #19. To add to Micah’s entertainment, I strolled out in my jersey and black panties. Nothing else.

  His mouth damn near dropped to the floor at the same time his fork fell to his plate. He stopped to give me a once over, well many times over actually. Sitting next to him on my pillow, I crossed my legs and can see him eyeing my freshly shaved legs.

  “I see what I’m having for dessert,” He says with a lick of his lips.

  “Um, what is that? We need to hit the store tomorrow.” I’m not paying any attention to his flirty side, I’m watching the hockey game while he obviously is not.

  “Don’t need the store, babe.”

  I happen to follow his eyes as they roam up my legs turning his head to sneak a peak under my jersey.

  “Like what you see?” I ask raising my eyebrow.

  Licking his lip, he wickedly agrees. “Do I ever. I knew living together was a fabulous idea. Even better idea that Matt is no where around to interrupt me doing many naughty things to you.”

  Licking my fork, I sigh. “Lover-boy, watch the game.”

  “Game now… Elsa later.” He declares with a grumble.

  The game was excellent, we won by two goals. And true to his word, Micah got his dessert. Our first night in our new home was christened properly. First the living room, then the master bedroom. By the time we made it to the bed, we were both too tired to give it another go around. That would have to wait for another night…just not tonight.

  FIRST DAY AT TAYLOR Security, I’m taking in my new surroundings trying to make better use of the space they have with the reception area. To date, they’ve never had a front desk person, they’ve handled it all themselves as a two man show. In the short time they have been open, they are slowly getting busier which is exactly why they needed the extra help. The phone rings the moment I step foot in the front door along with a few clients who had stopped by for appointments.

  “Oh hey Trevor,” Micah greets a tall guy who walked up the hall towards us. “This is my girlfriend, Elsa. Elsa this is Trevor, one of our computer tech guys. Elsa will run the front office for us from now on.”

  The gleam in Micah’s eyes when he introduced me as his girlfriend has me swooning. It’s amazing to take in how genuinely proud he is to announce me as his girl let alone the person running the front office. Trevor seems more than thrilled. He has a buzz cut hair style, black framed glasses and is a walking stick. He’s beyond thin, I’m not sure he ever eats.

  “Awesome,” Trevor claps his hands as his eyes squint overly joyed hearing this bit of news. “No more answering the phones. Good news, now I can concentrate on doing my job.” And maybe eat.

  On his way back to his office I presume, he slaps Micah on the shoulder muttering the word, “finally.”

  “Okay babe, lets get you started. I’ll show you what we’ve been doing, and then you can change whatever you want to make it the way you want it.” Micah’s ushering me up the hall with a hand gently pressed at my lower back.

  The office space is more than nice. There are big windows across the front of the building. The main desk itself is circular, and it wraps around to the hallway that leads to the boy’s offices and the tech room. A break room is farther down the opposite hall. It’s spacious for the few employees they have, but as they grow, it will be useful. All in all, the office rocks. I’m impressed. Now I need to figure out what my job requirements will be exactly, then I’ll be able to relax a bit.

  The phone rings and we look at each other, pausing. Lifting my hand up to Micah and Matt who has now just joined us, I might as well do my job. Matt goes to answer it, but I swat his hand away.

  “Good morning, Taylor Security Elsa speaking,” I say with my usual cheery voice, looking back at the boys. I can faintly hear Micah chatting with Matt. “See what did I tell ya? She’s freaking perfect to answer the phones. Everyone will love her.” Matt smiles back with a nod of his head.

  “No doubt, brother. Plus she will keep you in line.” Resting a hand on Micah’s shoulder, his expression changes. “Just make sure I don’t walk in the break room and find you bending her over the table, I eat in there,” Matt says it loud enough I can hear him.

  Snapping my head in his direction, I see Micah just as he elbows his brother, and calling him a ‘smartass’ under his breath.

  Since I’m on the phone with a client, the only thing I can do is roll my eyes and stick out my tongue. He chuckles faintly as I’m forced to listen to a female rant on about how she needs to talk to Micah over her installation date. Instead of writing it down, I glare pointedly at him.

  “Yes, I see. Can you hold on a minute? I will check and see if he is available.” I’m about to put her on hold when, she stuns me. She is asking me questions about who I am. I’m sure the stunned look of my face is one of bewilderment because both Matt and Micah are looking at me, wondering what the hell is going on.

  “I’m sorry…um…well I was hired today. Yes…okay. How lovely for you.” Eyes wide like saucers I’m biting my damn lip wanting to tell her where to shove it. How dare she grill me about who I am and what I do here. Not a great way to start off my first day. I can only assume this is what Matt was referring to with some of their clients wan
ting to stake a claim on my boyfriend.

  Holding up my finger, I let her know my distain with the clearing of my throat. “Please hold.” Resting the phone on my chin, I’m counting to ten before I speak. “It seems a Carla Mitchell…”

  “Oh shit.” It’s all Matt says, he seems to understand my odd behavior. It’s then he whistles, giving Micah a strange expression.

  “Anyway.” Taking a calming breath, I focus on a nervous looking Micah. “She is on the phone for…”

  “Micah.” Matt shouts out slapping his brother on the back.

  “Matt… shut it.” My glare alone should tell him that this is not funny. “She was ill informed you hired a new front desk girl and is demanding to talk to you, Micah. I take it she is sweet for you.” Plastering a fake smile on my face, I use the phone to tap my forehead when all I want to do is smash the damn thing.

  “Babe,” Micah says all comforting and sweet. “Don’t even worry yourself, she is a handful, just ask Matt? He pushed her off on me, and now she won’t leave me alone. I’ll take it in my office, no worries.” Micah walks back to his office, and I see the ‘hold’ button light go off so I know he’s talking with her now.

  Reading my less than thrilled attitude, Matt sighs. “El, don’t let her bother you. You will meet a few clients who are taken with him.” He says with a shrug of his shoulder.

  “Yeah, sure. I left my job for this. Why did I do that, Matt?” Seriously, what did I do?

  Walking over, he places his arm over my shoulder, Matt joking says, “So you can make sure women like Carla don’t get their hooks in your boyfriend.”

  “Great. Super. I’m off to a grand start.”

  THE REST OF THE day was not so bad, a few more clients came in for their scheduled appointments. So far, only one female whose eyes I may have wanted to scratch out, because she drooled over Micah in front of me no less. He simply shrugged it off as no biggie. I, on the other hand, was not so dismissive of her actions. Matt spent the day laughing his ass off, watching me mostly. I had to admit, even with the few horrible women I had to put up with, it was fun.

  After lunch, I had the front desk pretty organized. I was rocking it.

  Filing the last of the orders coming up for installations, I heard a man clear his throat. Turning my head, I see a very handsome man eyeing me up and down. Oh great, this is just what I need to make this day even better. This place is worse than a bar. Pick Up Central should be its new name. Might have to bring that up at the next staff meeting. If we even have one!

  “Hello welcome to Taylor Security, I’m Elsa.” I say in welcome to Mr. can’t stop looking down my chest. It annoys me so much, I glance down at my V-neck sweater to see if my chest is falling out. I am happy to see that it wasn’t. Phew! Squinting my eyes, I make a point to look him dead in the eyes as if saying caught ya! He just smiles, not caring one bit.

  “Well Elsa, I must say you are definitely a welcome addition to the office. I’m James Kirkland and I have an appointment in about,” he looks at his watch, “ten minutes. I can chat with you until then.” His smile tells me he knows how good looking he is and if I’m correct this sexy look of his must work on most women.

  My fake smile and larger than life eyes have me jumping for joy, I get ten more minutes with this guy. I’m about to take my pencil and jam it in my eye, that’s how excited I am. Mr. Kirkland does just that, he never left the front desk. Instead, he’s chatting like we’re old school mates. When I happen to catch sight of Matt and Micah walking my insides start doing somersaults. Goodness, get this man away from my desk. I’m hoping the boys get my drift with the less than friendly death glare I’m giving them.

  Not even noticing my guest, they notice my desk instead. Everything has a proper place, no papers are presently thrown all over the place. I must admit, I’ve been a busy girl.

  “Impressive. You are definitely what we needed to get this place in order.” Both boys are nodding their heads.

  “Yes,” my guest adds his own input. “You gentlemen have got yourself a winner, here. She not only brightens up this office, but her voice alone makes me want to stay here all day and chat with her.” Mr. Kirkland eagerly says, tapping his finger on the counter. Licking his lower lip, his eyes dart downward to my chest once again. Giving him a pleasant smile, because he is a client after all, I cross my arms to hide my chest from his vantage point. I noticed Micah’s smile fade when it instantly turned into a menacing glare, lips tightly pressed together, I take it he too noticed his client eyeing my chest.

  “Well James, you might be advised as to who she belongs to.” Micah grimly adds with a slight lean of his head in my direction.

  Taking the challenge to Micah, he replies. “Is that right? Do I dare ask?”

  “Now James, let’s not upset Micah. He’s most protective of his girl.” Matt chuckles with a laugh but is eyeing his brother just to make sure he wont need to break up a fight.

  I must be staring like an idiot because Matt sighs waving his hand to get my attention. “Don’t worry Elsa, James goes way back with us. Old friend,” Matt then looks back to his dear old friend. “You may not stay Micah’s friend if you do not take your eyes off of her.”

  My mouth falls open when Micah steps behind me, pulling me against him. Slowly turning me around, he cusps my jaw in each hand and lays a kiss on me that damn near melts my panties. Wanting it to go longer than it should in a place of business, Micah opens and thrusts his tongue inside of my mouth. I do the only thing I can, I hang on for dear life. I forget we have company because as soon as his lips caress mine… I’m a goner.

  “Oh for fuck’s sake Micah, I get the picture.” James huffs.

  Breaking the kiss, he gives me one last peck on the lips. Keeping his eyes trained on me, he speaks to James. “Make sure you get that loud and clear James, this pretty girl is mine.”

  Micah then winks letting me know all is okay. He may be, but I sure as hell am anything but, I’m frustrated, embarrassed, and now my panties feel like they are on fire.

  Sitting, I run my fingers through my hair, messing it up more than it already is.

  Matt slaps his hand against the counter twice “And this is why working with her is going to be so much fun. I’m taking bets on how soon before Micah loses his shit and beats one of our clients, or better yet, how soon it will take Elsa to beat a bitch who is in heat for my dearest brother.” His face is bright a shade of red, actually enjoying this nonsense.

  Slapping James on the back, all three walk down the hall chatting and sharing laughs. “Either way, it’s pure entertainment. But mostly she knows her shit, and we need the help.” Matt turns around looking back at me with that sexy as hell smile of his.

  “Love you, Elsa girl.”

  Yeah. Such a smart ass.

  “Hey Elsa, can you help me a minute?” Trevor breaks up the awkward moment, wanting me to come to his office.

  “Um, sure whatever I can do.” I happily get up and walk to his office.

  “Do you think we could find a way to organize these orders with the equipment that has come in, and then organize it based on their appointments? I’m so behind, and could use the help.”

  Eyeing the stacks of papers on his desk, it’s no wonder he’s confused and behind on work. Not only papers, there are boxes opened and a few unopened. I’m not sure how the hell they kept it all straight this long.

  “Sure, bring them up to me and tell me what pile to organize them in.”

  He mouths ‘thank-you’ while gathering up the papers.

  “How the hell did you ever get any work accomplished?” I ask looking briefly at the stacks of paper.

  “I didn’t, but you are the saving grace I have been praying for.” He says, with his hands laced together like he’s praying when a few papers fall to the floor. We both end up laughing.

  By the end of the day, order has been restored and I’m super impressed I got it done. The loose papers are filed and labeled. I’m marking names on few of the boxes of
equipment when I notice Matt approaching me.

  “Holy crap you have been busy today. Run away with me now, Elsa. Leave my brother for the younger, better looking Taylor.” His sexy eyes sparkle as he crosses his fingers.

  “You never give up, do ya?” I can’t take him seriously, he just cracks me the hell up. I love him all the more for it, because he brightens my day. Just like a brother!

  “Me,” he says pointing a finger at his chest. “Never, it’s too funny to watch my brother get pissed off at me flirting with you.” His humorous smirk fades the instant Micah comes up to stand behind him.

  A loud huff escapes his lips before he rolls his eyes at his brother. “Still hitting on my girl, I see.”

  Matt happily agrees. “You know it, one day she will see for herself. I’m just better looking than you.” He adjusts his shirt and ducks out of arm’s length of his brother. Good idea, considering Micah is bigger than Matt. Never know when Micah might throw a right hook, jokingly of course.

  While I enjoy this fun banter between them, I throw my hands in the air. “You two. I swear, one day, I might turn lesbo and leave ya both.” Figure I might as well have some fun myself.

  Suddenly a loud laugh comes out of nowhere. “Oh shit, that one burned.” Trevor walks up throwing his head back, laughing as if that was the funniest things he’s heard in a while.

  “Well I, for one, am glad the day is over. El, my love, let’s get out of here.” Rolling his shoulders, Micah looks tense, he totally disregards my attempt at humor.

  “Sore shoulders?” I ask.

  “Yeah, want to rub them for me?” Micah walks to me and wraps me in a hug.

  “Oh Jesus, you two never quit.” Matt uses his hands to break up the sexy gaze between his brother and me. “Hey, that reminds me, I got a call from Tyler.” He snaps his fingers like he totally forgot.

  The instant that name leaves Matt’s lips, I tense up and my eyes freeze on Micah. I notice his body stiffens, as well.

  “What did he find out?” Micah quietly asks, no emotion behind his words. I realize he might be just as nervous as I am with Tyler finding Michael.