Shadows: A Love Ever After Series

by Amber Lacie

  "Thank you."

  "Do you want some more?"

  "Of?"

  "Water, naughty girl, just water. I think you need some rest after that."

  "No, I'm okay."

  He sets the glass down on the nightstand and lies down beside me. I lay my head on his chest and wrap my arm around his waist. "Rest for a little bit, and then I'll wash you off in the shower."

  His heartbeat is the last sound I hear before I drift off to sleep.

  “Are you even listening, Eve?"

  I look up and Ben is standing beside my desk with his arms crossed. I'm sure he's ranting about something, but I can't focus on what he is saying. I just keep replaying last night in my head.

  Theron wanted to give me a remarkable night. He did. Twice last night, and once this morning before I left for work. Driving Badass into work was a bonus to my morning.

  I roll my eyes at Ben. He's still standing there looking down at me, and now he's tapping his foot. "What can I do for you, Ben?"

  "You can do your job. You haven't been here all week. Who do you think has done your accounts?"

  "I called Anne. I had a death in the family." I'm furious. Where the hell is Anne? I hope she's in this afternoon. I can't handle much more of Ben.

  "That excuse is shit, Eve. Kayla came by on Monday to grab her account logs. What have you done? Absolutely nothing. Have you even finished your logs for today?"

  "Listen Ben, I don't know what your problem is, but I will be taking this issue up with management. Now if you are done, I need to get my work done." I turn back to my computer and open my program. He stands there for a moment longer before he finally walks away. What is his problem?

  Taking a deep breath, I try to focus on my work. Theron was already a distraction, and now Ben has added to my problems by giving me a headache.

  I finish logging a couple more accounts. Then, I send a text to Kayla around one. I let her know Benzilla is on a rampage and to be weary whenever she comes back to the office. Checking my email one more time, I see a new one from the main office of National Clerk Accounts. I open it and begin to skim through it. It's a notice for a meeting at two o'clock, today, about merging all the accounts, but I don't understand it all. I'll have to take a quick lunch to make sure I'm back in time.

  I'm standing outside, across the street, at one of the food trucks parked along the curb. As I pay for my chips and drink, I notice a blonde in a gray pencil-skirt eyeing Theron's car. Taking a sip of my drink, I head back towards the office. "Can I help you?"

  She straightens her shoulders and gives me a look of confusion. "No, I don't think so." Placing one hand on her hip, she gives me a once over.

  I automatically don't like her. Everything in me is screaming at me to walk away, but I don’t. Stepping around her, I hit the unlock button on my keys. I look over my shoulder at her and I can tell she's surprised.

  "This is yours?"

  "Sort of. It's my boyfriend’s car. Is there something you needed?" My tone is sharp. I'm not one for playing twenty questions.

  "No, sweetie. I'm sorry. I was just headed inside." She nods her head towards the office. She must be a client. She has snob written all over her, with her hair twisted back and perfect face. There's no way she hasn't had any work done.

  I finish my lunch in the car. I don’t want to run into the blonde again, but I need to get back to my desk. I don't notice her as I make my way to my cubicle. I log back in and take care of a couple small accounts before heading to the conference room.

  "It's nice of you to finally join us." Ben smirks at me, raising his eyebrows.

  All the accounting clerks are already in attendance, sans Kayla. I wish she was here.

  I shoot Ben a dirty look. Who the hell does he think he is? I take a seat closest to the door. I want to be able to escape, if need be. Anne shuffles in and she looks ragged. Her hair is a mess and she's struggling with her papers. If I had to guess, I'd say something bad is about to happen. Sharon walks in, followed by the blonde. Shit. Today is not my day. My stomach drops. I stop chewing my cheek and straighten my shoulders.

  "Thank you all for being on time for this meeting. I have a couple of important issues to address today, and I need to make sure we are all on the same page." Sharon sweeps her eyes across the room, holding my gaze for just a couple seconds. "I'm going to make this quick. As some of you know, we are a smaller enterprise but have been acquiring more clients as of late. The main office has noticed our hard work as well as some other small offices. The company will be merging with Highton Associates at the end of the month. There will be some minor changes to the staff and the programming. Please be patient while all the kinks are worked out."

  Minor changes to the staff? I hope nobody is let go. "Now I would like to introduce you to Ms. Bridgette Clarks." Sharon gestures to the blonde. "She will be running this office, while I'm in training at the main Highton office in New York."

  "Right. I will only do a small introduction, since I know there are a few of you who are trying to finish up this week’s accounts." Bridgette looks right at me and raises one eyebrow. I know I have accounts to finish. I don’t need a reminder. It's not as though this happens often with me. "Please take a few notes if you do not have a good memory. First, you will address me as Ms. Clarks, unless otherwise told. Second, I will expect all the account logs to be completed by three o'clock on Fridays. Thirdly, there will be some changes in staff, mainly with relocating to different branches. From now on, you will treat this business with respect and a competitive attitude. Those that work hard will be kept, those who do not…well, let's just say you want to be one that works hard." She gives a sharp look to Sharon and walks out of the room.

  I wait for everyone else to slowly trickle out. Ben is already kissing up to Ms. Clarks. I can hear him offering to get her coffee. I spy Anne across the table, slumped in her chair. "Hey Anne, you okay?"

  Shaking her head, she wipes her cheek. "Not really. That was supposed to be my position. Sharon was to be promoted and then I would be head branch manager. Two days ago, we got a notice of another company being interested in us. Then, as of nine this morning, National Clerk Accounts was bought. What I can’t understand is how the purchase was made so quickly. This had to have been in the works for them to have someone available to replace Sharon. I mean, they couldn't have just decided that yesterday, could they?”

  "I don't know, Anne. I'm sorry they passed over you." Reaching over, I pat her hand. I don't know what to say to her. Anne looks up and smiles at me, but it's forced. "Will you be okay? I should probably get back to work. I don't think the blonde, I mean Ms. Clarks, will be pleased if I don’t."

  "I'm fine. You should go."

  I look back at Anne as I leave the room. She's always been excellent at her job. Pulling out my chair, I make myself comfortable at my desk. I'm almost caught up with my work from this week. I just have two more accounts for today, and then tomorrow's schedule.

  I check the time and I notice it's a little past five o'clock. I log off and start collecting my things.

  "Are you headed out for today, Miss... I’m sorry I didn't catch your name." Ms. Clarks is standing next to my desk. She gives me a genuine smile. Maybe she's not so bad.

  "Yes, I'm sorry. I didn’t notice the time."

  "Perhaps, you should take your logs with you then. I noticed you didn't finish today's schedule."

  "I guess I can. I accomplished a lot today. I was out most of the week. There was a death in my family." I'm hoping for some sympathy points, but she only looks annoyed.

  "Yes, I considered that. A friend isn’t really family, is it?"

  "I'm sorry?" I swallow hard. Who is she to say who my family is? "He was like a brother to me. He was my roommate."

  "Tonight after you finish today's schedule, I want you to Google the word friend. Perhaps you can enlighten me tomorrow on how friend equals blood relative." If looks could kill, she would be dead from the look I'm giving her as she walks away. Th
is day has been absolute shit. I regret not staying home with Theron.

  Grabbing my purse and jacket, I send Kayla another text as I head towards the parking lot. Benzilla is nothing compared to Ms. I have a rod up my ass Clarks.

  Opening the door, I slide into the car. The leather seats hug me, offering me comfort. I almost breakdown in the car, but I take a steadying breath and head for home.

  Theron has made spaghetti with a Pork Bolognese for dinner. It's amazing. I'm completely famished and it doesn't take me long to clear my plate.

  "Is it that good? I don't think I've ever seen anyone eat my spaghetti so fast."

  "Oh my God. It's so delicious. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I started eating." I take a sip of my Zinfandel. "So, what did you do today while I was out working with the masses?"

  "I worked from home. I may not have an office, but I do run a business. You didn't think I was jobless, did you?"

  "I just assumed you were taking care of your Gram." I shrug my shoulders while taking another sip of my wine.

  "That is what I do. She has her finger in a couple of pots, and I'm in charge to make sure they don't boil over. She's even made me Vice President of her company."

  "What's the name of the company she owns?"

  "You won’t believe me if I tell you."

  "Why not? I'm reasonable."

  Theron shakes his head, but I can tell with the drop of his shoulders he's given up. "G.I.L.F Mergers Incorporated." He bites his lip and looks at me expectantly, but I don't understand.

  "G.I.L.F? Is that an abbreviation for something?"

  "Oh, no. I'm not telling you. You can ask her when she comes over for dessert in a bit."

  I try my best pout, but he doesn't give in. "Fine, I will just ask her when she gets here." I stand to clear off the table. Theron is sitting in his chair, his arms firmly crossed, with a smirk on his face. I'm determined to find out what it stands for.

  I'm starting the dishes as his Gram walks in wearing a Pink Floyd shirt, skinny jeans, and a pair of pink chucks. Her taste in clothes astounds me.

  "Eve, my beautiful girl. Look at you! You're dressed and moving around. This is wonderful!" Placing her hands on my shoulders, she kisses each of my cheeks.

  "Hello, Isa. Can you believe I even made it to the office today? I refuse to be a zombie any longer."

  "Wonderful news! Now, what are we up to this evening? Poker? Pool? A horror flick?"

  This woman makes me smile.

  "I don't know. I'm not in charge. You should ask him." I motion with my head over to Theron, who is now sitting comfortably on the couch.

  "Gram, I love you, but how about we just start with cheesecake? Okay?"

  "Sure, fine, be boring." Isa rolls her eyes.

  I laugh as I start the dishwasher. I refill my glass of wine and set it down on the island, along with plates for the cheesecake. I hope I'm this outgoing when I'm her age.

  "Well, Eve, since we are only allowed to have cheesecake tonight, how about we enjoy a little conversation."

  "Gram, your little conversations make me nervous."

  "Theron, shut your damn mouth. I am not speaking to you as of present."

  I spit my wine out across the island. Isa starts patting my back, but it isn’t necessary. "Oh my, Theron, what did you feed this poor girl? She must be choking on some vile poison."

  "I'm pretty sure your vocabulary stunned her. I'd bet all my money, that's the reason she choked."

  Isa rolls her eyes at Theron. "What does he know anyway? Come sit with me. I'm tired." We sit for a while and talk about our likes and dislikes with books. Her library is very impressive, and I can tell she’s put it to good use.

  I'm not sure how long we are talking, before Theron takes a seat next to me. Sliding my stool over to be closer to him, I lay my head on his shoulder and he wraps his arm around me. I try my best to stifle a yawn.

  "Tired?" His fingers run up and down my back. I could easily fall asleep on this barstool.

  "Mmhmm." I nod my head.

  "Are we back to not being able to speak, already? We really must find the cause of this.”

  Blushing, I look up at him. His beautiful swirling eyes are staring straight into me. The way his eyes are different colors, entrances me. My heart starts beating faster, and butterflies flutter in my stomach.

  "I can talk, I just don't want to." I notice his Gram has grabbed her jacket and is getting ready to leave, but I have forgotten to ask her what G.I.L.F stood for. "Isa, wait."

  "Yes, darling?"

  "What does G.I.L.F stand for? Theron said the name of your business is short for something." I hear Theron sigh. I look up at him, and he rolls his eyes.

  "Oh, honey, I thought you would've figured that out. It stands for ‘Grandma I'd Like to Fuck’." She blows me a kiss goodnight and heads out the door. I'm rooted to my seat with my mouth hanging open. She has left me once again, completely flabbergasted.

  "Eventually, you will learn to quit asking her questions. Very rarely are her answers ever normal." Theron kisses my forehead and takes my hand, leading me to our bedroom. I quickly change into a nightshirt and slip under the sheets.

  Since I didn't finish the work I brought home, I set my alarm extra early. I switch off my lights and curl my body into his.

  "Hey, I forgot to ask you how your day went today."

  Watching his firm chest rise and fall with his breaths, I trace his tattoo with my fingers.

  "It was horrible."

  "Why? What happened?"

  "Ben was a bigger jerk than normal. Kayla picked up her work for the week and wasn't in. I found out this afternoon that our company has merged with some Highton Corporation. Sharon is leaving to train in New York. Plus, this snobby blonde, who hates me, is now my boss."

  "That sounds like a shit day. You should have stayed home with me."

  "I should have. As a bonus to my crappy day, Ms. I have a rod up my ass blonde, wasn't pleased with my work today. I should get up early to finish my account logs. They need to be completed before I get into work. They are talking about rearranging staff and I don't want to be let go."

  Theron is quiet for a few minutes. He's running his fingers through my hair. I feel so relaxed and comforted by him. Everything is better when I'm in his arms.

  "What did you say the name of the company was?"

  "Highton Corporation, or something like that. Why?"

  "Just curious. I'll ask Gram about it and see if she's heard of it before." He looks over at me. I think I see a glint of fear in his eyes, but it quickly fades away. "My beautiful, Eve, what am I going to do with you? You are consuming me."

  "Is that bad?"

  "No, but I'm definitely addicted to you now. I can never quit. You are the best habit I've ever had. The feel of your soft skin, burns me." He runs his fingers under my shirt and up to my breasts, cupping them, twisting my nipples between his fingers. I gasp. "The taste of your sweet mouth, is sweet like sugar." He softly kisses the corner of my mouth, working his way across. His tongue sweeps out to lick my bottom lip. I open to him and his tongue claims mine. Desire consumes me. I try to pull him closer to me, but he breaks the kiss, leaving me panting, wanting more. "The feel of your body underneath me, my cock sliding in and out of your wet cunt, is sinful." Holy Shit. "I need you. I want you. I am keeping you."

  "Yes." My voice is low and husky. He pulls my shirt over my head, tossing it to the floor. My nipples are hard peaks. My breaths are heavy. Hovering over me, he pins my arms above my head. Soft kisses besiege my neck and work their way down my body. I know what he's going to do, but I want to taste him. "Stop." He looks up at me and pulls his lip through his teeth questioning me with his eyes. My mouth is suddenly dry, so I lick my lips. "I want to taste you."

  "Fuck, beautiful. That's the sexiest thing I've ever heard." Grabbing my waist, he flips onto his back, taking me with him. I straddle his hips. I can feel his hard erection under me. Grinding onto him, I swirl my hips. My panties are soaked
with my wetness for him. Fuck. I need him.

  Sliding my body back down his legs, I pull the waistband of his boxers down. I've noticed how big he was before, but this view is incredible. Firmly gripping him, I slowly move my hand up and down his hard cock.

  "Mouth, beautiful."

  I do as I'm told. I lick the tip of his cock and slide my mouth down around him, circling him with my tongue. He's so hard. His hands find the back of my head as I find my rhythm. Pulling my lips back, I gently scrape him with my teeth and swirl my tongue around his tip. I feel him jerk in my mouth. It only encourages me more.

  I firmly grab onto his balls, gently tugging them as I take him all the way into the back of my throat. I almost gag, but I breathe through it. Tears sting my eyes, and I do it again. His hips rise up and he pulls my head back with my hair.

  "Fuck. I'm going to come if you don’t stop."

  I moan around his hard cock. I'm incredibly turned on, but this is all for him. I want him. I need to taste him. I pick up my rhythm, and grab the base of his cock with my other hand sliding it up and down. Gripping his balls with my hand, I tug them as my tongue swirls around him. I feel his body go rigid beneath me. I take him all the way in the back of my throat, and I feel his release shoot down my throat.

  "Oh, God! Yes, baby, take all of me."

  I lick and suck every drop of his salty release. That was unbelievably empowering. I crawl my way back up his long torso, eyeing him as I go. He's so incredibly perfect. He pulls me to him and I fall to his chest.

  "Beautiful. That was incredible, but now we have a slight problem."

  I look at him confused. What problem could we possibly have?

  "You didn't get yours."

  "Oh. Are you going to remedy that? I think you should." I wiggle my body on top of his.

  "Are you going to start making demands?"

  "Maybe. A woman has needs that need to be filled, you know. I could get them filled elsewhere." As soon as I say it, I regret it. Fear and anger take possession of his face.

  SMACK!

  His hand sharply meets my ass. "Ouch!"