by Adler
“Oh, Miss Austen is it? Sorry for the little collision. Are you okay? I didn’t see you coming; my attention was a bit diverted.” She blushes and then darts her eyes toward Harrison’s office and then looks back at me.
“So, I understand Harrison has hired you to decorate our new office. Perhaps we can meet individually to discuss my ideas for my new office?”
What is this about her new office? When was Harrison going to tell me about this? Holy shit!!
“Well, how about I discuss the details with Harrison and we can set up a time perhaps later this week?” What the hell?
“Oooh,” she purrs with her accent. “That will not be possible; we are heading back up to Montreal tomorrow. We have business to tend to. Perhaps when we return next week?”
What trip to Montreal? He’s traveling with her again. Shit, I could barely cope with the last trip. I start to stammer, but calm myself. “Wha- When are you leaving?”
She narrows her eyes at me. “Oh, Harrison did not tell you? We are leaving on a redeye tonight; something has come up of an urgent nature.”
“Oh, I’m sure he was going to tell me.”
She gives me a smug smile like she thinks she’s won this match. “Sure. I will have Hilary contact you to make an appointment for us to meet next week.” Then she coolly walks past me while smoothing down her skirt as she heads down the hallway. What the hell was that all about?
I enter Harrison’s office about ready to spit bullets. “There had better be a good explanation as to why that Wine Witch just left your office looking like she just got rocked!” Before he can respond, I continue. “I would also like to know when exactly you were planning to tell me that you’re heading up to Montreal again on a redeye with her. Oh wait, that isn’t all, I’m also informed that she’s planning to have an office in your new space, and that I’m to meet with her to discuss the details of how she would like it decorated. What the fuck, Harrison?”
He is now advancing toward me. He looks like he’s been caught. “Please, Danielle, I need you to sit down. We need to talk.” I raise my eyebrows at him while my insides start to churn. When someone says ‘we need to talk’, it’s not usually a good thing. Reluctantly, I sit down in a chair facing him with his desk between us. I wait and then feeling extremely impatient when he doesn’t begin, I say, “Well, spill it now, Harrison.”
He scratches his chin and studies me for another long moment. “Harrison!”
He takes a deep breath, another stall tactic? “Listen, Danielle, there is a lot of existing business dealings that I have to address in Canada. I know you are uncomfortable with Marion, but she is the best person to handle the situation that has arisen. I will be flying with her tonight back to Montreal and will probably be there through the weekend, but I plan to be back Sunday night.”
My mouth is dry as if I’ve just eaten a box of soda crackers. I’m now wishing I had a bottle of water. “It all sounds harmless, but why can’t you trust me to tell me things? I had to hear it just now out in the hallway from Marion. And, I might add, she was acting as if you were going away to Tahiti together for a romantic tryst.”
He laughs.
“Harrison this isn’t funny. You know how damaged I am from Bradley.”
He nods, “I know, Danielle, but my business dealings really have nothing to do with you. Perhaps if you really think about it, you can understand why I would not share the trappings of running my company with you.”
“Regardless Harrison, you would not be happy if I were traveling with Bradley somewhere would you?”
He scoffs, “Of course not and that is different anyway, he is your ex-husband.”
“Yeah and Marion wants you more than anything, it’s written all over her face. You should have seen how she watched you from across the room at the gala. She also followed me into the ladies room to plant doubt in my mind.”
He looks surprised, but says nothing. I continue. “I would still like to know why she’s getting an office in your new building.”
He sighs. “Honestly, Danielle, it would stand to reason, that while she works for me, she will require an office in which to work.” He stands up and moves around to where I’m sitting. He sits in the chair next to me and takes my hands. “Listen, I am not sure of who this insecure bombshell is who is sitting here in my office,” he says as his eyes survey me from head to toe, “But let me assure you, Marion means nothing more to me than a consultant that I have hired.” I try to swallow but the lump in my throat remains.
“That’s all fine, Harrison but I’m not convinced. She’s not simply someone you hired to consult on your holdings and wineries. You have a long history that you haven’t shared with me. All I can do is go on conjecture. That, and do you realize there’s pink lipstick on your lapel?” I get up from my chair and lean over to retrieve my briefcase when he jumps up, leans across his desk and grabs my arm with force. He moves around to stand next to me.
He’s pissed. “Let’s get one thing straight, there are many things you do not understand. I cannot explain everything at this time. I would advise you to drop it. All I am asking of you is to be patient. In time everything will make sense.”
I grab my arm from him and start to leave, but something makes me stop. Maybe the fact that he’s flying out tonight and I won’t see him for several days. Despite how mad I’m feeling right now, I don’t want him to leave with us angry at each other. I turn back around and reach up to give him a passionate kiss.
“Have a safe trip, Harrison. I’ll see you when you get back,” I snap at him.
“Danielle, wait, I still want you to stay at my Penthouse while I am gone. Philippe and Garrin are staying here and will be able to take care of you if needed.”
“Harrison, I need to stay in my own place. I have work to do and I need to be able to access my office regularly.
“I can’t let you do that, Danielle, I want you safe and while I am out of the country that is the only way I can personally ensure that you are. You will stay at my penthouse. And by the way, this is not open for any more discussion.”
Sheesh, I like it when a man takes charge, but this is over the top. I’m very put off that he’s commanding me to stay in his penthouse. He has no say over what I do.
“My flight doesn’t depart until late tonight we will have dinner together before I leave.
“Fine, I will see you then.” I know when to fold and something about his tone tells me to back down. My mom always told me to pick my battles.
I’m almost through his office door “Oh and Danielle,” I hesitate in the doorway, “You are right about the pink lipstick, it is from Marion, she made a pass at me.”
In the best sarcastic voice I can muster, I answer, “Well, that’s a relief. Now how is that admission supposed to make me feel better?”
Aha, so I was right, she is after him.
“Danielle, I want you to know I am not interested in Marion. Do yourself a favor and remember that, no matter what happens. Can you do that for me?”
I nod.
“Promise me, Danielle.”
“Um. Okay.”
“Promise me.”
“Okay, I promise, I promise! I’ll see you tonight, Harrison. But just know, I’m now more leery than ever of Marion and I suggest you keep that in mind as well.”
“Oh Danielle. We haven’t discussed the decorating.” He flashes me one of his infamous panty dropping smiles.
“While you were fighting off Marion’s advances, I was out measuring the furniture, taking pictures and making notes. I have a good idea of what needs to be done. Do you have anything you actually need to add to that?”
He is now smirking at me. “I think Miss Austen, that you have it under control. I suggest we reconvene this meeting a few days before the move.”
“Fine. I’ll see you later.” I take my leave and nearly run into the door on my way out.
Ugh! I’m so annoyed and that was weird and I have no clue what I should make of it. We aren’t ac
tually in a relationship, so whomever he spends his time with is really none of my business. On the other hand, he should have no say in who I see either. With Harrison in Montreal, it might be good to have a couple days to myself to get my thoughts organized and to stash those feelings I have for him. I already feel too vulnerable and I’ve given him too much as it is.
I have to put more focus on my business anyway. And right now, I have a conference call to get back to the office for.
Chapter Twenty-Six
After several productive hours in my office, I feel good about my days work. I look at the clock and am surprised that it’s almost 5:00 PM. I lock up the office and head up to my condo to pack my bag. At least I can drive myself; He never said I couldn’t do that.
At my condo, I pack enough for the rest of the week, although I don’t plan to stay at the penthouse. While I pack, I decide to change into a little sexy bustier set in cherry red that I’ve had tucked away and have never worn. Why not, he’s heading out tonight with the wine witch so this will give him something to remember while he’s gone.
I lock up the place and head to the penthouse. On the ten minute drive there, I rehearse some of what I want to say to Harrison. I need more from him than he’s giving. I want to know why he’s rushing off to Montreal and why does he need her to accompany him? Is there some kind of grape emergency? While I run these questions and more through my mind, I nearly collide with a bicyclist! Damn it, don’t they have their own lanes??
I pull into the parking garage instead of the lot. He’d given me a parking pass for the garage. I stick it in the window and grab my things out of the trunk and head up.
I come off the private elevator and as I step out into the foyer, I can hear some sexy electronic music playing. It sounds like it might be coming from the terrace. I set my heavy bag down and go in search of Harrison. I head past the water wall into the living room and then my breath catches in my throat. Sure enough, there’s Harrison standing outside on the terrace. He’s wearing a fitted pair of worn jeans and a black linen shirt that hangs loosely around his well-developed body. His hair is messier than usual and he’s barefoot. He’s swaying to the music with a generous glass of wine in his hand.
I stand undetected in the doorway long enough that I get the rare opportunity to watch this beautiful man dance. The way he moves his body makes my pulse quicken and my body ache for his touch. He turns and sees me standing there and for a moment, I feel like I was interloping. He locks his eyes with mine, walks over to me and leads me out to the terrace. He puts his glass of wine down and then puts his left arm behind the small of my back and his right arm farther up my back. I put both of my arms behind his back and we begin to move together to the music. He smells of the exotic spice market again and I’m transported to some faraway land with this seductive prince. We continue to move together, swaying our bodies in time with the music. His hands begin to wander up and down my body. I feel my loins tighten and my desire builds under his expert touch. He looks down into my eyes and then kisses me tenderly. I shiver. He takes my hand and leads me back inside, down the grand hall, past the elevator and to the master bedroom.
He pulls me to the bed and then he hops on and props himself on some pillows. He grabs the remote and flicks on the same music from the terrace. “Dance for me, Danielle.”
Holy shit! Dance for him? I hadn’t planned on that! “Oh Harrison, I don’t know.”
“Dance for me. Seduce me.” Then he licks his lips.
Oh my! I wish I had something in me that would make it easier. As if reading my mind, he hops off the bed and walks over to me and sways with me to the music like we just did out on the terrace. “Be right back, don’t move.”
I stand there feeling nervous about dancing sexy for him. I like to dance, but there’s a big difference between girls just wanting to have fun and an erotic dance to turn a man on.
He returns with a bottle of his own Griggio and two glasses. He pours us each a glass and hands me mine. He clinks his glass to mine and gives me his seductive smirk. I down my wine like it’s a shot of whiskey. He looks at me with utter amusement and then shimmies himself back onto the bed. I shut my eyes and sway to the hypnotic beat. I can feel my body getting into it. I can picture Harrison's cock thrusting into me in time with the music and that’s all I need to lose myself in wild abandon. That, and the wine kicking in on my empty stomach.
I begin by undoing the one button on my camisole top, lifting it over my head and letting it drop to the floor. I open my eyes when I hear his gasp. Oh yeah, I forgot that I have a little surprise for him under my clothes. Knowing what this is doing to him, I continue. I unzip my skirt from behind and wiggle my hips to the music and let it fall to the floor too. I step out of my clothes with only my necklaces, shoes and a bright cherry lace bustier and matching thong left. I sneak a peek at Harrison and I see his breathing has quickened and the lust in his eyes tells me all I need to know. He likes what he sees.
I continue my floorshow and as I think of his hands and tongue all over me, I start to touch myself. I cup my lace-clad breasts and began to knead and massage them. I run my hands down my taut tummy and then tuck my hand into my panties and rub my clit in time with the music. I throw my head back and allow myself to feel the wine warming my insides, the music vibrating through my core and the feeling of my own hands pleasuring my body all while Harrison watches and wants me.
My eyes fly open when I hear a rustling sound followed by Harrison’s arms wrapping around me and his mouth colliding with mine. His tongue is seeking my own, tasting of sweet wine. He pulls me to the bed and continues his exploration of me with his tongue. I don’t think I can ever get sick of feeling his tongue probing all the surfaces of my body. He makes his way straight to my clit and he makes easy work of lapping at my wet “P” and pleasuring me. He puts two fingers in my “P” and starts moving them in and out and I feel my insides tightening and preparing for their release. I know that his cock is going to be ready for action and its own release. He stands up and removes his clothing at lightning speed. He climbs onto the bed with me and parts my legs to gain entry to my “P”. He inserts his cock with a slow and tortuous pace and then he slowly starts to move his cock in and out to the beat of the music, just like I had hoped he would. I wrap my legs around his back and we kiss passionately as we make love.
Two hours later, I say goodbye to Harrison at the elevator. It’s not like other times that he has left to Montreal. This time feels really different. I don’t know if it’s because he’s flying with her and I now have proof that she wants him, or if it’s because each moment I spend with him, I fall harder and harder for him. Either way, my stomach feels queasy. The dinner Philippe left for us to eat was delicious but I couldn’t eat much because my stomach was in knots. Harrison could sense that too since he must have asked me a dozen times why I was so quiet.
“Harrison, I need to know more about Marion. What is the history there, don’t tell me there wasn’t something between you as some point.”
He sighs, “The Devereauxs and Towers have a long history and Marion always had this fantasy that we would someday marry and bring the two families together. When I moved to the states, she finally gave up on that notion and married.”
“Wow, she’s married and hitting on you? Nice. ”
“Well, not exactly. She divorced after her husband pushed her for a family. After her divorce she started working with our US division in 2007 and moved here.”
“So I don’t get why you are flying to Montreal with her tonight. Couldn’t she go by herself?”
He takes a sip of wine. “Now that falls under business dealings and not something you need to know about.” He looks at my disappointed face. “Danielle, I have the opportunity to close on a big deal that Towers Holdings has been in negotiations for over a year now. We finally get to complete the acquisition and Marion is a key player in this deal. Do you understand?”
“I guess, it just makes me feel uneasy. Kind of
how you don’t like me spending time with Bradley.”
He scoffs, “I have pointed out to you on many occasions that the two are in no way similar. Marion is a hired business associate. Bradley is your ex-husband. Got it?”
I suck in a shallow breath. I see his clear eyes cloud over and I know that means he is getting annoyed. “Yeah, I got it. One last thing, why do you feel it necessary for me to stay here at your penthouse while you’re gone? It’s going to feel weird being here without you.”
For the last time, Danielle.” His voice is raising, “I want to ensure that you are safe. This penthouse it secure, where I don’t feel your condo is safe enough. Now drop it, we have gone over and over this.”
I stand there in the lobby after he has left and contemplate our conversation over dinner. I just get this nagging feeling that there’s more to his relationship with Marion than he’s telling me. The only thing I know is that his family and her family have a long history and they knew each other as kids. He moved here over a decade ago and she started working with his wine division of Towers Holdings about four years ago. That’s all I know. If I am going to be held here like a kept woman, I think maybe while he’s gone I will see if I can probe Philippe or Garrin for information.
In the meantime, I need to get some sleep. I have a busy day ahead of juggling my current projects.
I wake up the next morning to a very big and lonely bed. I look over to where Harrison would normally be lying. The nauseous feeling in the pit of my stomach has returned along with some cramping. I pick up my phone and see that it’s time to get up, so no lounging in bed for me. I head to the bathroom and really feel the cramps. Then it occurs to me that I must be starting my period. Well that’s good timing while Harrison is gone. I set about getting ready when I realize I have no messages from Harrison. He should have gotten there about 5:00 AM my time. He said he would message me when the plane landed. He must have forgotten.