"Yes, she was but that’s diff--"
"No, it's not. In fact, it’s worse. She was an employee. Casey isn't, she's a business partner. We're not doing anything wrong!"
"But Matt--"
"Don't even think about giving me a lecture. You are not my father James."
Matt steers us out of the office and out of the building to his car.
"I’m so sorry. I didn't realize it would be like that." My voice remorseful.
I turn to watch him drive. His face relaxed.
"Don't apologize, Case. I’m fine. He will soon come round." He reaches for my hand, lifts it to his lips before placing a soft kiss on my fingers.
We head back to his house, shower and lay in his bed.
"I could spend the rest of my life with you." He whispers as he pulls me into him our bodies melded together on the bed and I don’t need to tell him verbally for him to know that I feel the same way. He already knows.
~~~~~
Chapter Twenty-five
Casey
Matt decided that it would probably be best if only he went to the office today and I agreed. Hopefully, he and James are able to discuss the situation.
He arranged for Kate to take me out, he offered me his credit card and told me to buy something nice. I declined - I hate feeling that he pays for everything, from dinner to clothes when I am more than capable to pick up the bill myself. He soon playfully put his hands up in defeat when I reminded him that I have enough money in the bank to pay for a meal. He asked if I would like a driver for the day, I was appreciative but again declined. He gave me a mischievous grin and threw me a car key, a Porsche car key.
I know from previous conversations that the Porsche is his favourite in his car collection and I can’t believe he is letting me use it for the day.
I hear the doorbell and take one last look at myself in the full length mirror; I didn’t know what we were planning on doing so I pulled on a pair of light denim Armani Jeans, a white tank top and a pair of sandals. I have quickly straightened my hair and put a small amount of makeup on. I haven’t been outside, but I can see the rays from the sunshine through the window. I can feel the heat they radiate.
I run down the stairs and open the door to see Kate standing wearing a pair of slacks, a purple blouse, and oversized sunglasses covering her eyes. “Good morning.” She offers me a friendly smile.
“Hey Kate,” I grin, I am really looking forward to spending the day with her, every time we have spent a little time together, we have genuinely got on well. I grab my purse and the car key and turn to wave at Matt’s house keeper a middle-aged woman who I have learnt is called Terr. We head outside and walk over to the numerous cars lined up, all sleek, sexy and are immaculate.
I click the button on the key and the bright lights of a black convertible at the far end flash. We head towards the car and I make my way to the driver’s side and Kate watches me amused. I realize that I am trying to get into the passenger side, totally forgetting that everything is different over here than in the UK. I laugh and shake my head before heading round to the correct side. Kate climbs into the passenger side and buckles herself in.
I look at the numerous dials, buckle myself in and start the car. The engine roars as the car comes to life.
“I don’t know why he didn’t just give me a normal car to use.” I sigh, but secretly I am exhilarated.
“I can’t believe he has let you use it,” Kate says. “This is his favourite car.”
“I wish he hadn’t. It’s too technical for me!” We both laugh together and I make my way out of the long driveway and onto the street.
“Do you know what kind of car this is, Casey?” Kate asks.
“A Porsche isn’t it?” I answer not taking my eyes off the road; I’m scared that if I put my foot down anymore I’m going to go flying down the road. The car is powerful, I’m used to powerful cars driving Mercedes and Audis, but this is on another level, a real speed machine.
Kate laughs a little. “Yes, it’s a Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet. He hasn’t had it too long, a few months.”
“That sounds like a really expensive car.” I don’t know much about cars but I can certainly tell Matt spent a lot of money on this one.
“Around one hundred and ninety thousand dollars, I think.”
I can’t believe he has let me use it. But, I am enjoying the looks of admiration from passers-by.
We sing along to the radio as Kate directs me to a local shopping mall. I park the car as far away as possible to ensure it doesn’t get damaged by other shoppers.
We walk side by side as we approach the large mall which is over four floors and I am glad I have chosen to wear flat comfortable shoes today as I assume we are going to be walking a lot.
“Have you seen the Fifty Shades of Grey movie, yet?” Kate asks.
I shake my head. “No, not yet, I want to though.” I smile.
“I’m going with a bunch of girlfriends this weekend, you should come.” She offers.
“That sounds good to me.”
The first shop we visit is Hugo Boss, I don’t buy anything but Kate purchases numerous clothing items from dresses to shoes. Next we walk to Armani and I pick up two dresses. First is a classy black one shoulder dress which I fall in love with. Then a royal blue twill dress. We spot the jeans section and we both pick up numerous pairs from skinny to boyfriend jeans. We finally make our purchases, amounting to over three thousand dollars. It feels nice to treat myself and I wonder if I should pick something up for Matt to say thank you for all he has done for me over the past couple of weeks, but then I realize I don’t know what size he is. I make a mental note to look through his closet when I get back, for future reference.
We browse through more shops – Victoria’s Secret, Gucci, Michael Kors, Guess, Macy’s, MAC, Target and ZARA. We make several purchases before finding a nearby Starbucks for a break. Kate orders a Cappuccino and I choose an Orange Refresha - which lives up to its name, very refreshing.
I take a few moments to glance down at my phone and realize it is 2:15pm. We have been shopping for over 4 hours! Time has gone by so quickly and it is true what they say – time flies whilst you are having fun.
Matt had sent me a text at 11:45.
Have a great day sweetheart. I will be thinking of you.
I can feel the smile form on my lips as I read it and type one back.
Having a fab day. Missing you tho. How is work? Have you spoke to James? x
It doesn’t take long before I get his reply.
Been in meetings all morning. Just having a quick lunch before the next. James isn’t in today but I have seen Grace. Don’t worry. See you later.
I quickly reply.
Can’t wait!
I smile and put my phone back into my purse and Kate and I decide which shops to hit next.
“How about Alexander McQueen next?” Kate smiles looking up from her phone.
“Sounds great to me. One of my all-time favourite designers.” I grin and take another sip of my drink.
“Mine too!” Kate sounds eager, the more and more time I spend with her; I realize how much she’s like Hannah. Which reminds me I haven’t spoken to her in what seems like forever, I decide to give her a quick call tonight.
I understand Kate has known Matt for a lot of years and has worked with him closely. I think she is probably one of the people who know him best. I debate for a little while whether or not to ask what the situation is with all the women in his life. If he does actually have a girlfriend. What is the situation with Jess? Who is Melissa? I wonder if that would be over stepping the mark, what if she doesn’t want to tell me?
Screw it. I’ll ask anyway, I won’t be able to settle until I have an answer.
“Kate… Can I ask you something?”
Kate looks at me for a few moments before a small smile appears. “You can ask, but I may not answer.”
I can only imagine the reaction on my face as she begins to laugh. “I�
�m teasing, Casey. Go ahead, ask away.”
I ponder on how to word it for a few moments before asking, “Could you tell me a few things about Matt, please? Has he got a girlfriend?”
She shakes her head “No, he doesn’t.”
I smile and I feel like a major weight has been lifted from my shoulders, “Who’s Jess?” Kate scrunches her nose when she hears Jess’s name. “Yeah, she’s a manipulative bitch.”
“Why?” I probe deeper.
“Well…” Kate hesitates.
“Please? I really need to know,” I say glancing down at my hands.
“Well, about a year ago, they had some kind of “thing”. She seemed content with whatever Matt wanted at first. Matt doesn’t commit, everyone knows that. After a while, she seemed to be different. They got serious, well as serious as Matt would get. They had a falling out and to typical Matt’s style; he blocked her number on his cell. She tried calling the office but he refused her calls. Then she stopped by one day, looking… very pregnant. She was all smiles, fake smiles. Matt swore it wasn’t his baby, but that made her more determined.”
I nod as I take all the information in.
“Matt is my friend. I thought Jess was a mistake, and I never believed the baby was his, Casey. Matt has his fair share of women, but he is not reckless with them,” Kate says with a small shrug.
I nod. Matt is many things, but he isn’t careless or reckless.
“Do you know who Melissa is?” I ask.
Kate rolls her eyes. “Yeah, I do. They were close for a little while. They both said “just friends”, but it wasn’t the same kind of friendship that Matt and I have, it was something more,” She says with raised brows. After a sip of her drink, she continues, “She helped with some decorating suggestions and art for his office, when that was finished, I assume it fizzled. She hasn’t been around lately. And it must’ve been amicable, because she never called the office. He must not have blocked her.”
“She was in his office the other day.” I say, wondering if the ‘something’ between them was still ongoing.
“Really?” Kate asks furrowing her brows.
“Yeah, he was late to a business meeting because Melissa was there, Grace and James referred to it as girlfriend trouble.”
“Hmmm… I didn’t know.” Is all she says, lost in her own thoughts.
“Does Matt have a-“I take a sip of my drink whilst I figure out what to say next. Kate watches me intently waiting for me to finish. “A bad reputation with women?”
Kate looks down at her phone before back up at me. “Truthfully…He does have a reputation, but I’m not sure if it’s completely bad.” Is all she says, her eyes regretful, but I am grateful that she has been honest.
“Thank you for letting me know.” I flash a small smile. I’m too lost in my thoughts to say anything else.
“I’ve seen him with plenty of women through the years, but I have never seen him act the way he does with you. Letting you drive his cars and stay with him, that’s all new.” Kate offers, but I don’t know if letting me drive his car and staying with him is enough for me.
I study nothing in particular on the wall behind Kate. “I don’t know what to say, Kate.”
“Don’t let it consume you,” She says smiling. “Just try to be patient. See what happens. He’s a good man and is really into you. I won’t go as far to say he won’t screw it up, but if he does, it’s a loss for him, Casey. You’re just what he needs.”
But I wonder if it really would be his loss, because from where I am sitting, I think that it would be more of a loss to me. I haven’t been as happy as I am when I am with him for such a long time. He makes me feel so special and wanted. But also frustrated, I think of the few memories we have created together. From our first lunch date to our trip to London, our date at the zoo, our visit to the gym together, the trip to the beach. I haven’t known him very long but he has made such a big impact on my life and the thought of ending things with him causes a great ache deep inside me.
Kate told me that she hasn’t seen him act this way with another woman before and I don’t know how that makes me feel.
We finish our drinks before heading to Alexander McQueen. I would normally spend a fortune but my mind is elsewhere. Why was Melissa at Matt’s office if she was an ‘old flame’? Has the flame been reignited?
After tormenting myself through the remainder of our shopping trip we head back to the car. I know I need to speak to Matt about the situation and find out exactly what is happening between us, he referred to me as his girlfriend, is that really the case? Or did he just say that to please me? Would he say something he didn’t mean?
I need to know where I stand and I need to find out sooner rather than later.
~~~~~
Casey
I arrive back at Matt’s place after dropping Kate back off at her house. I realize that I am there before he is and Terri has left. So I am alone, I head up to the en suite bathroom in his bedroom and start the shower.
I start to take my clothes off and I don’t know what overcomes me, but suddenly I’m snooping in his bedroom. At first I try to convince myself I just want to know his size, so I can buy him a gift, but deep down I know that isn’t the truth. I look in his bedside cabinet drawer which is full of numerous objects – condoms, bottle openers, random paperwork and then an envelope. I know it is wrong but I take a look inside and realize there are three photographs. I look at the first one, a very young looking Matt, I’m guessing at around 18 years old has his arm around a dark haired girl, she is very pretty. Not slim but not fat, a nice size and they both look extremely happy. The next two photos are very similar just in different places – young Matt and the same dark haired female. One of the photos they are grinning at each other and look very much in love. Who is this mystery woman? He’s kept the photos, so she must have been special.
I hear the door open downstairs and assume it is him so I put the photographs back into the envelope and close the drawer. I hurry into the bathroom and prepare for the shower. I just step into the shower as I hear him enter the bedroom.
“Case?” He calls out.
“I’m in here!” I announce and it’s not long until he is standing in the doorway of the bathroom. He has taken his suit jacket off and is undoing his tie. His eyes scan up and down my body hungrily.
“Can I help?” I ask with a wink.
“Oh yes you can…” He growls and throws his tie into the room behind him; I shake my head and laugh, my eyes never leaving his face. “After the shower, get dressed because we’re going out.” He says.
Going out? I was planning on us sitting down and discussing what is actually going on between the two of us. I want to know what is happening with Melissa and the situation with Jess. I want to know if there are any more women on the scene and most importantly if he is serious about us.
“Going out?” I ask.
“On a date.” He laughs.
He strips fully and I can’t help but admire the Adonis standing watching me. I swear, he is better than the models they have wearing Calvin Klein’s. Every inch of him is sculpted to perfection. I marvel at his hard, lean magnificent form. His broad shoulders, bulging biceps, toned abdomen. My eyes make their way down to his well-endowed package. Pubic hair trimmed back to a good amount. Matt clears his throat and my eyes are suddenly back on his face. His handsome features shifted into a devilish knowing grin as he caught me staring.
“A date? Where?” I smile and pick up the shower gel off the side shelf, I begin to wash and I can feel his eyes on me. I pay extra attention to my breasts and moving my hands down. I hear him let out a sigh of frustration and then he is behind me in the shower.
“Here, let me help.” His voice is more of a growl now and I turn to face him. He takes the shower gel bottle from me and begins to wash me, rubbing my breasts and my nipples, sending sparks through my body. I tip my head back in pleasure as his hands continue on their journey down.
He rubs his h
ands over my clit and his mouth is on my neck. The warmth of the water is now covering both of us.
“Matt.” I moan but he doesn’t listen. His fingers continue circling my clit and his mouth is now on my jaw line, making his way up until our lips finally meet. Our kiss is intense and we devour each other. My entire body shudders when I reach my orgasm and I grip onto his shoulders for stability as all the bones in my body turn to gelatine.
I look at him and he has that cocky, roguish smile that drives me insane.
“You, Mr. Jackson, are something else.” I say as a massive grin takes over my face.
“Oh, I know, sweetheart.” He says with a wink.
We both wash before Matt steps out of the shower and helps me out. I wrap a fresh white cotton towel around my body as Matt wraps one around his waist.
Matt is ready when I am just finishing off my makeup. He looks good. He has opted for a pair of dark denim jeans and a black long sleeved cotton shirt which fits tightly over his muscular arms and chest. He tells me he will wait downstairs and leaves the room. I am in total awe of this man.
He still hasn’t told me where we are going so I opt for my new black Armani dress I bought today, colour coding springs to mind. I pull on a black lace thong and realize that I don’t have a strapless bra here, so decide against wearing one all together, that should be a nice surprise for him later. I pull the dress over my head and study myself in the mirror. The dress fits me like a glove. Showing my curves off perfectly.
I quickly run my hand through my freshly straightened hair to create natural looking waves and smile at myself in the mirror. I look and feel great. I spray on a little perfume and slip my black heels on. I look at my watch – 6:35pm.
Matt is watching me as I make my way down the staircase. His eyes running up and down my body numerous times.
I stop when I am inches away from him and give him a slight smile. “Are you going to tell me where you are taking me?”
He shakes his head. “Nah. You’ll just have to wait and see.” He takes my hand and we head outside the door which Matt locks. Hand in hand we make out way over to the Porsche. He holds the passenger side door open for me and once I am in he gets in to the driver’s seat.
Business: Phoenix #1 Page 10