by Krista Lakes
Rachel turned and straightened my jacket, brushing several flyaway strands of hair out of my face before giving me a quick smile and opening the door. She stepped in confidently, and I followed, trying desperately to mimic her confidence. I suddenly realized I had no idea what I was going to say to him.
Jack sat at a large mahogany desk, papers and electronic pads scattered haphazardly across the large wooden surface. His back was to the door, a phone up to his ear as he spoke in a clipped voice. Every word oozed dominance and surety. This wasn’t the boy I met on the beach. That voice didn’t laugh and giggle, drinking margaritas in the sand. The man in front of me was cold and full of authority and power.
The phone conversation ended, and he turned abruptly to face the two of us, annoyance and fatigue painted on his face. However, as soon as he saw who had invaded his office, that smile I knew lit up his features. I could see the Jack I met on the beach in that smile, the business man banished to the shadows for a moment.
“I expect you two had an uneventful trip? Good,” he said as he stood and began to walk around the desk. “Thank you Rachel. I’m sure you have things that need to be taken care of.”
“Yes, Sir,” Rachel said formally. She turned, and as she passed me on the way to the door she said quietly, “I’ll be at the desk down the hall to the right when you are finished.”
I nodded shallowly, unsure of what was going to happen next, and I bit my lip as I watched her close the door carefully behind her before turning to face Jack.
“I’m sorry to have caused you so much trouble,” I said quickly. He stopped in his tracks, shaking his head and smiling.
“If anything, I should be the one apologizing to you. If I were a normal person, this never would have been front page news.”
“I’m still sorry that this must be a press nightmare for you. How did they get those pictures?” I asked quietly. He finished walking around to the front of his massive desk and leaned against it, crossing his arms and looking at me with dark eyes.
“My secretary. The one who came on the trip. She was angry and looking for a way to make me pay.” His eyes somehow darkened further, turning into deep pools with no bottom. “She is no longer in my employ.”
“What are we going to do?” I asked. There was a space between us. It wasn’t more than a couple of feet, but it felt like miles. We were two very different people. He was wearing designer pants and a button up shirt, the suit jacket carelessly hanging on the back of his chair. The jacket alone was probably worth more than my car. I stood in sale-priced shoes and a torn coat, wondering what in the world was going to happen next.
Jack sighed and his arms tightened. I wanted to touch those muscles again, but at the same time, he was so different from the man on the beach, I wasn’t sure if I could. He spoke easily, as though I were a client and this wasn’t our lives, but instead a business transaction.
“My father is furious. He feels that this celebrity status is distracting from business and distracting me from my work. He holds no animosity towards you, but this is not how he planned this transition to go. He wants to do nothing, to let it all blow over and focus on the transition,” Jack stopped and caught my eye. “But I couldn’t leave you to the mercy of the paparazzi hounds by yourself though. You will be staying with me in my home and under the safety of my security team. I heard the paparazzi were a bit rough with you at the airport.”
I realized I was playing with the torn pocket of my jacket and I quickly dropped it. “I’ll live. Thank you though.”
“This should all blow over soon. I want to make sure you are safe. I don’t want anything to happen to you, Emma.”
My name on his lips made my body go warm. Something uncoiled deep in the pit of my stomach, asking for more, but before I could decide what to do, the phone began to ring. Jack glared at it for a second before leaning over and answering it curtly. He listened for a moment and then told the caller to wait a moment as he pushed a button and set it on the desk.
He was across the room to where I stood in less than two strides. “I have to get back to work, but I want you to know that I’m glad you’re here Emma. Despite the circumstances, I’m glad.” I could hear the truth in his voice and I couldn’t help but smile. I was glad to be here too.
Jack leaned forward, pressing his lips against mine. This kiss wasn’t the same as the ones from the island. This was reserved and formal, but it still fanned the heat growing inside of me. He stepped back, a devilish grin spreading across his face as I flushed. The smile stayed on his face until he sat down in the large leather chair and picked up the phone. I knew that was my cue to leave, and I slipped out the door as the businessman’s mask slid over his face.
Chapter 12
Jack’s home was the most beautiful living space I had ever seen. It was as if a giant had placed a fully furnished house on top of a skyscraper. The entryway was dark, but I could see city lights through the towering glass windows in the main room. Rachel closed the door softy behind me and offered to take my jacket. I shrugged out of it, glad the room was warm after the cold March air outside. I stood, glancing around, trying to figure out how big Jack’s home really was.
“There are three bedrooms, an office, a dining room, living room, and the kitchen. There is a pool on the terrace, but it is currently empty due to the weather. The hot tub is open though,” Rachel said, reading my mind. I gulped slightly. This was bigger than my parents’ house and it was sixteen stories in the air. “I’ll show you your room.”
Rachel guided me into the main living room across hardwood floors. The furniture was sleek and modern, but it felt comfortable. As we walked into the room, a gentle light turned on making it easy to navigate but not bright enough to cause glare on the floor-to-ceiling windows.
“That’s the Statue of Liberty,” I whispered, drawn to the windows like a child. I wanted to press my hands up against the glass and peer outside, but I only managed to gape and stare out the window. I never thought in a million years I would ever walk into a place with views like this.
“Yes. If you’d like, I can arrange a sightseeing tour of the city for you.” Rachel stood watching me, a bemused smile on her face.
“That would be amazing! I don’t know how much it would cost, but I would love to see Central Park and Times Square too,” I said, pulling myself away from the window. Rachel laughed.
“Cost is no issue. Jack has made it very clear that you are to have anything you want, no matter the price. You are, technically speaking, the wife of a billionaire.”
My tongue felt very dry. The most I had ever had in my bank account at one time was a little over five thousand dollars, and that had only lasted until I paid tuition. The idea that I didn’t need to worry about money was slightly intimidating. Rachel tipped her head, motioning me to follow.
“I realize that this must all be very new for you, Emma. I’ll help you as much as I can. If you need anything or want anything, please let me know. Mr. Saunders has put me at your disposal for as long as you are in New York.” She turned and smiled, pushing open a door to reveal a large bedroom. “This is your room.”
I stepped inside. The room was probably as big as my entire apartment back home. A beautiful king-sized bed sat in the middle of the room on an island of plush carpet surrounded by hardwood floors. Another floor to ceiling window dominated the far wall, a sheer curtain currently obscuring the view. A writing desk was tucked in the corner next to a wooden dresser, and I could see a bathroom bigger than my parents’ kitchen through an attached doorway.
“Your clothes are in the closet, and everything you need is in the bathroom. If you’re hungry, the kitchen is fully stocked. Mr. Saunders will be staying at the office tonight, so you have the place to yourself. Will breakfast at eight be acceptable?” Rachel stepped back into the doorway, clasping her hands behind her back. I realized that it was late and she was probably ready for bed.
“That should be fine. Um, if I need something in the middle of the nig
ht, who should I call? Is there a number for the landlord I should know?”
Rachel’s lip twitched up in amusement. “No, no landlord. If you need anything, you have my phone number. My apartment is just downstairs, so I’m not far away. There is also a security guard outside at all times that can assist you with anything you may need in the night.”
“Then I will see you at eight tomorrow,” I said. A yawn snuck out at the very end, my body suddenly realizing that I was tired. Rachel nodded briskly and headed down the hallway. I heard her close the door behind her.
Suddenly, I was very tired... and very alone. I quickly got ready for bed and cuddled into the downy-softness of the big bed. Sleep found me quickly and fell into it deep.
***
I woke to a gray dawn leaking in through the gauzy curtain. Outside, I could see the Hudson River flowing past a cold world. Gray buildings reached up towards a gray sky, the city skyline stretching as far as I could see. The city was so much bigger than anything I had ever seen and I felt tiny in comparison. I was very far from home.
I slipped on some clothes and headed to the kitchen. Rachel would be arriving any minute, but I was starving so I poured a glass of milk and sat at the comfortable wooden kitchen table, looking out at the city skyline and wondering what crazy thing was going to happen today.
My thoughts were interrupted by a sharp knock on the door, followed by Rachel calling my name. She found me in the kitchen and handed me a foil wrapped burrito.
“I had Maria make yours mild, but if you like spicier, she makes a mean salsa,” Rachel said as she sat down across from me and unwrapped a matching burrito. She set a container of salsa in the center of the table. I carefully pulled the foil off my own burrito and took a bite.
“This is fantastic,” I moaned as I stuffed my face full of eggs, potatoes, cheese and tortilla. Rachel grinned and nodded as she took a bite out of her own.
“Maria, the head maid, makes these from scratch. I have yet to find a restaurant that makes them this good. Try it with the salsa.”
I poured a little on the top and took a bite. My mouth flooded with spicy deliciousness. It was the perfect level of heat so I poured more on. Before I knew it, I was licking the last bits off my fingers. “So what are we doing today?” I asked, wishing I had more burrito. I was full, but it had been so tasty.
“We are going to dress you like a billionaire’s wife. I hope you are ready for a busy day,” Rachel answered, folding up the foil to her own burrito. I tried not to sigh too loudly. I hated shopping. Nothing ever seemed to fit properly and I always ended up spending too much for things I only sort of liked.
We stood up from the table and headed to the door. Rachel frowned at my ripped coat as I threw it on over my long-sleeved t-shirt. “What?” I asked.
“We have our work cut out for us today,” she said with a forced smile.
I shrugged and opened the door, nearly running into a tall, dark-haired man. I sputtered an apology and stepped back into the apartment, hoping he was supposed to be there and wasn’t a very clever tabloid reporter.
“Hello, Dean. Is the car ready?” Rachel asked him smoothly as she buttoned her coat and stepped around him into the hallway. He nodded. “Excellent. Dean, I would like to introduce you to Ms. Emma LaRue. Emma, this is Dean Sherman. He will be your personal security consultant while you are here in New York.”
“Personal security consultant? You mean I get a bodyguard?”
Dean grinned at me. He was tall and thin, but I could tell he was far stronger than he looked. His dark hair held traces of gray, but his blue eyes were bright and piercing. He held out his hand and when I shook it, there was genuine warmth in his grasp.
“Ms. LaRue, it is a pleasure to meet you. Your safety is my priority, so I will be following you at all times. I do my best to be discreet, but if there is a situation, I will need you to follow my directions.” I nodded and he let go of my hand.
“Are you sure I need a bodyguard? I mean, no offense, but I’m not that important.”
Dean gave me a look that could match my father’s. “You are important, and Mr. Saunders agrees with me. So no trying to lose me because you don’t think you need a bodyguard.” If he was anything like my father, he was about to start explaining to me something he felt was important.
“I would never—” I started.
“We’ll go over your rules in the car, Dean,” Emma cut in, hustling me down the hallway. “We’re on a tight schedule today.”
“Of course Ms. Weber,” Dean said smoothly, tipping his head. “As you wish.”
Rachel gave him a brief smile before shooing me into the elevator. A shiny black SUV was waiting in the garage. Dean slid gracefully into the front seat as Rachel and I took the back seat. Once inside, Rachel and Dean went through a list of rules to keep me safe. It was mostly common sense and making sure that Dean could always see me. He made sure I had his phone number and gave me several ways to get his attention if I felt I needed him to be closer. I liked Dean. The way he spoke reminded me of my father and it was comforting to know he was looking out for me.
The car pulled up in front of a chic looking tall building with red awnings. Rachel grinned at me as we exited the vehicle and stepped into the luxurious store. Shoes that made my mouth water and feet ache just by looking at the heels, purses with names that I only associated with movie stars, and gleaming racks of beautiful clothes stood in front of me. I picked up a small bag, thinking it was kind of pretty and glanced at the price tag. $5,950. I set it down slowly, afraid it might break if I touched it too roughly.
“Rachel! They said you were coming today. How wonderful to see you! Is there anything in particular you are looking for?” A friendly voice drew my attention away from the designer clutch purse. A fashionably dressed woman was smiling at Rachel. She looked at me for a moment as though she recognized me, but couldn't place from where.
“Hello, Kristine. I need to purchase some basics for Ms. LaRue. “Rachel smiled politely at her, and the woman’s eyes flashed with recognition.
“LaRue? Jack's beach bride Emma LaRue...” The woman's voice trailed off as she realized she was quoting a tabloid magazine. She suddenly looked at me in a very different manner. “Of course. Let me get the room set up for you!”
Rachel turned and faced me. She ran her eyes up and down, eying me like a blank canvas she was preparing to paint. I tried not to fidget.
“Hmm, I think the spring collection will suit you wonderfully. Come with me,” Rachel said with a grin. I could tell she was in her element, as she headed into a rack of clothes and started pulling out different designs and patterns. She would hold one up, evaluate, and then either put it back or drape it over the waiting arm of Kristine.
“Do you prefer comfort or color?” She asked briskly.
“Comfort. Definitely comfort.”
“Are you comfortable in a dress? What lengths?”
“I guess so. I don’t wear them very often, but they’re fine. I like the knee length ones. Too short and my legs get sticky when I sit on things.”
Rachel nodded, asking questions as she moved through the racks adding more clothes to the growing pile in the saleswoman’s arms. “I think we have a good starting point,” she said finally.
I reluctantly followed the other two women to the dressing area. We were in our own separate room, filled with mirrors and a comfortable looking chair outside the changing area, a space obviously reserved for exclusive customers. Rachel selected an assortment of dresses, slacks and blouses, handing them to me with no order I could see. I walked into the changing area, glancing over my shoulder as she settled into the chair.
I looked at the clothes with dread. I hated trying on clothes. Hated it! It was something I did only in the most dire situations and even then as quickly as possible. I could hear Kristine offer Rachel something to drink, and Rachel requesting some sandwiches as well. We were going to be here for a while. There was no way I was going to get out of trying them
on, and besides, I had no clothes back at the penthouse.
With a sigh of resignation, I pulled off my clothes, neatly folding them on the small bench and tried on the first dress. To my surprise, it fit better than I expected. It was a simple wool dress, but it actually seemed to fit.
“The purple one fits,” I called out.
“Let me see,” Rachel replied. I sighed. I could tell she was going to have to look at everything I tried on. This was going to be a painful few hours. I took a deep breath and opened the door.
“The color is definitely good, but we need a different cut. Kristine, will you get the one with the square cut?” Rachel frowned thoughtfully and then smiled. “These are going to look so amazing on you. Go ahead and forget the rest of the dresses and skip to the slacks. Try the black ones first. I think you’ll like the cut.”
I returned to the changing room, and slipped out of the dress glancing at the fluttering price tag. $1,895! For a dress? The number made my head spin and I hung the dress up very carefully. I knew that kind of money would be nothing to the Saunders’ bank account, but it was still way more than I had in mine.
I slid the pants on and wanted to shout for joy. They fit. Actually fit. And they made my butt look good. And my front. Holy cow did I like these pants! This never happened while shopping by myself. Pants that fit on the first try? I didn’t hesitate this time, opening the door to show Rachel.
“Nice! How do they feel?” Rachel asked, standing up and walking over. I turned slowly so she could see the pants.
“They feel amazing.”
“I thought these would be perfect for you. Oh, you are going to be fun to shop for! You are going to be able to pull off some amazing styles.” Rachel was grinning from ear to ear.
“What do you mean? I usually can’t find anything that looks good,” I said slowly.