by R. J. Dillon
Gavin took a break and picked up a cracker and some cheese. He stuck the combination in his mouth, chewed, then took a drink.
“Chandler was another discovery of Adrian’s. Most of the employees we have were discovered by him. All I know about her is that she put herself through college. If memory serves me correctly, she worked in strip clubs at night, and went to school during the day. I can’t imagine when she slept. Rumor is that she did a bit more on the side to make ends meet, but I’d rather not speculate. We used to hold career fairs and recruiting events to find new talent. That’s how Adrian met her. Her sales knowledge and skills were phenomenal. She started with C&A six months before I got promoted to VP. She made an offer that at first I wasn’t interested in because she had two strikes against her. One, she wasn’t my type, and two, she approached me. The more I thought about it though, the more it made sense. She was available whenever I needed her. The only problem was, and still is, that she never quite understood our relationship. She seems to think that we’re somehow going to be together, even though I’ve told her numerous times that it will never happen. She loves my money, just like the other women.
“That’s pretty much it. Anything else you’d like to know?” he asked.
“Actually, I’d like to go back to the woman who always wanted to see you in public. You said she just disappeared.”
“Yes, just out of the blue,” said Gavin.
“How long ago was that? Do you remember?” asked Faith.
“I don’t know. I’d say it’s been about eight or nine years. I was still pretty young. Why?”
“Adrian never told you, did he?” she said.
“Told me what?” Gavin asked, curious where she was going with this.
“That woman was trying to get you into trouble. She was working with a reporter. They had taken some incriminating photos of the two of you together. I guess when you wouldn’t comply in public, they found a way to get their pictures behind closed doors. Rather than have you go through the humiliation of being exposed as a playboy, Adrian paid the reporter for the photos and the negatives. He also paid that woman to leave you alone, and never contact or try to see you again. Apparently, this reporter had done this before. If he ever releases any information about you, or the company, he will lose his job, and based on what Adrian has on him, won’t be able to work as a reporter in New York again.”
Gavin was shocked. “How do you know all of this?”
“Adrian thought it was important that I know in case it came up when I’m addressing the media, or handling other conferences. He didn’t want it to come as a surprise to me,” Faith said.
“So that’s what you meant the day that we first met. You said that Adrian’s reputation had been on the line because of my behavior,” he said, still stunned by what she had just shared with him.
“Yes. I thought you knew until now. I’m not sure why he never told you. All I can take away from it is that he loves you very much. Enough to put himself in harm’s way to protect you.”
“We’ve had our differences,” said Gavin, “but you’re right. He does love me. Our relationship has been strained over the years. I’ve blamed him for some things that I didn’t quite understand. Now I know he’s always had my best interest at heart.” He took another drink and was silent for a moment. “Thanks for telling me.”
“Sure,” she smiled.
They both snacked some more before Faith asked another question.
“You’ve taken me to dinner and on a carriage ride. You’ve sent me five or six dozen roses, and now you’ve treated me to a concert. Did you do this for the other women you’ve been with?”
Gavin looked up at the ceiling, then back at her. Grinning he said, “No. You’re the first.”
“Why is that?” she asked.
Gavin shook his head, “I don’t know Faith.”
“Are you sure about that? I think you know.”
“I think I’m going to pull a Faith and not answer,” he teased.
“That’s fair,” she smiled, lifting her glass to take a drink.
“How about you? Have you ever been with anyone just for sex?” Gavin asked.
“No. Never.”
“Are you serious?” he said, surprised.
“Yes. I don’t sleep around. I’ve always had to know what someone’s motives were toward me. If they only wanted sex, I moved on. There’s more to me than that, and if someone doesn’t want all of me, they get none of me.”
“You’re protecting yourself,” stated Gavin, who was now sitting on the floor with his back against the couch. He looked up at her, waiting for her response.
“Pretty much.”
Gavin now knew what she was waiting for. Though he was sure that he had feelings for her, he wasn’t prepared to share that with her just yet.
“Is that why you’ve held back when I touch you and try to kiss you? Are you waiting to see what I want from you?” he asked.
“I already know what you want, Gavin. Things are a little complicated with you,” she said, holding on to the pillow for dear life. She was sharing something that she wasn’t comfortable with, but she had to. “I want you, as much as you want me. It pisses me off that you’ve known that for a while now. Like I’ve said before, I can’t bring myself to just give you sex. It’s not who I am.” She laid her head against the couch, staring into nothing.
Gavin got up and sat next to her. Faith looked at him as he removed the pillow, which had become a security blanket. He uncrossed her legs and slid in between them, with one of her legs resting on top of his. He leaned in and gently began to kiss her on the neck, placing his hands on her hips.
“Why do you do this to me?” she whispered.
“What if I told you I wanted more than sex?” he asked, continuing to kiss her, and caress her body.
“I wouldn’t believe you,” she said with her eyes closed. Her arms were wrapped around him.
“Have I ever lied to you?” he asked, stopping to look at her now.
Faith gazed into his eyes and answered, “No, you haven’t. We’ve never lied to each other.”
“Think about it, Faith. I’ve given you enough the past couple of weeks to figure out how I’m feeling. Maybe it’s not really me who doesn’t want to know, but you.” He started to kiss one of her arms.
“I need you to say it,” she said, still looking at him.
As he continued to caress and kiss her, he said, “I need you to say it, too. Seems we have a dilemma.”
Faith kept searching his eyes for answers. He smiled gently. “I should go. It’s getting late.” He kissed her cheek, moved her leg and stood up. “A day of shopping tomorrow?” he asked.
“Yes,” she said looking up at him, still searching.
“I will see you tomorrow,” he said backing away from the couch. He walked out, leaving Faith to ponder what he had just said.
The next morning, Gavin made a phone call.
“Good morning, Adrian.”
“Gavin, hi! How are things going? Did the meetings and conferences go okay?”
“Everything is well. We’ve had a good first week,” said Gavin.
“Good. Make sure you’re having some fun, too, while you’re there,” Adrian insisted.
“We are, we are. Hey listen. I need to talk to you about something.”
“What’s going on?” asked Adrian.
“I was sharing some things with Faith last night, and she told me about the reporter. Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, waiting for Adrian’s reaction.
He could hear Adrian’s sigh through the phone. “You were already going through so much. You were so hurt and so broken, I figured that a humiliating experience was the last thing that you needed. Your mother and I were already afraid we were losing you. I had to do what I thought was best at the time.”
“You risked everything you’ve worked for. Why?”
“You’re my son, Gavin. I love you. I would die before I let anything happen to you.”
<
br /> “You could have lost everything,” Gavin said, shaking his head as he held the phone.
“You are more important to me than this business. I love you,” repeated Adrian.
“I’m sorry for disappointing you all of these years. I know you haven’t been happy with my behavior. Never once did I think about how it impacted you. I was only thinking of myself.”
“No apologies are necessary, son. You were hurting. Carlisle men are extremely passionate and sensitive. I can’t imagine what you were going through. I know it must’ve been tough,” said Adrian.
“I should have let you and Mom help me,” Gavin said, his voice trembling.
“Gavin, what matters is that you learn from that experience. It’s time to stop hurting and move forward with your life. We want you to be happy.”
“I appreciate what you’ve done. I’m glad we had a chance to talk about it,” said Gavin.
“I love you. Don’t ever forget that. No matter what you do, we will always love you,” Adrian said.
“I love you too, Dad,” said Gavin.
Adrian hadn’t heard him say that in years. It melted his heart. “I’ll see you when you get back.”
“Okay. Tell Mom I love her. Goodbye.” Gavin hung up his phone, took a deep breath and was thankful that he could finally have a fresh start with his father. He sat down on the couch in his room, staring out the window, wondering what else Faith would do to make him fall in love her more than he already had.
CHAPTER TEN
After a two week break, Gavin and Faith visited Jacksonville. Similar to Nashville, they attended conferences and meetings both weeks. The upcoming trip was to Denver. There were some important board meetings during the first week of that trip, and Adrian needed Gavin to stay for them.
“What do you mean I need to stay for the board meetings? We can’t send Faith to Denver by herself. Someone should be with her,” Gavin said, disagreeing with Adrian.
“Gavin, the board will need updates on the trips you’ve taken so far. If they have questions, I need you here. Send Carter out with Faith,” said Adrian, walking around his desk to sit down.
“No. Is there anyone else who can go? Lauren or someone?” he insisted.
“Gavin, Lauren is HR. She doesn’t have the expertise that Carter does. It’s only for a week. You can join Faith for the second half of the trip.”
“Can we reschedule the trip?” Gavin asked, pleading.
Adrian shook his head. “These trips have been booked for weeks. We can’t reschedule or cancel.”
“Doesn’t Carter have other plans? That was why he couldn’t take these trips with us.”
“This is the one week he actually has open,” said Adrian, raising his eyebrows.
Gavin was frustrated. He huffed and stood with his hands on his hips. He looked again at Adrian, hoping for another solution.
“Send Carter. Faith will be okay,” Adrian reassured.
Gavin didn’t trust Carter, but he had no choice. He went to Carter’s office to let him know he’d be going to Denver. He knocked on Carter’s door. Carter looked up, surprised to see him standing there.
“Never thought I’d see you standing in my doorway again. What can I do for you?” asked Carter.
“We need you to go to Denver with Faith. It’ll just be for a week.”
“You sound disappointed. Why aren’t you going?”
“I’ll be there the following week. We can’t send Faith alone. It’s not safe,” Gavin answered.
“Alright. I’ll just need a copy of our meeting schedule,” said Carter.
“You can get all of the information you need regarding the trip from Agnes,” said Gavin. As he turned to leave, he stopped in the doorway. He looked up and turned his head slightly. “Carter, stay away from her. Attend the meetings, lunches, conferences - whatever is planned throughout the day. Outside of that, leave her alone. If you bother her, I’ll know about it.”
“Are you worried your precious little Faith will finally be able to see that I’m a more attractive choice than you?”
Gavin took a deep breath in before he spoke. “She’s told you nicely that she’s not interested. Don’t push it. I mean it.”
“I’m not worried about you anymore, Gavin,” snickered Carter.
Gavin turned to look at him and said, “You should be.” He continued out of Carter’s office, steaming, concerned for Faith.
Later that week, Gavin had some specific instructions for Faith to follow while in Denver with Carter. He knew she would have questions, but she would just have to trust him.
“Hey, beautiful,” he said as he walked in her office.
“Hi,” she smiled. “How’s your day going?”
“I’d be better if I was the one leaving with you tomorrow morning,” he said as he sat down.
“I think I’ll be okay,” she tried to reassure him.
“You will be if you follow my instructions,” he said seriously.
“Instructions? You’re kidding right?” asked Faith, confused.
“I’m not,” said Gavin without smiling.
Faith sat back in her chair. “Alright. What do you need me to do?”
“First, I don’t want you out after dark. Next, I need you to limit your time with Carter to the meetings and lunches that have been scheduled for the week. I don’t want you alone with him. Make sure someone else is with you at all times when he’s around.”
“You make him sound like a criminal. It’s just Carter, Gavin,” she said.
“I don’t trust him. I trust him even less when it comes to you.”
Faith was smiling within as she watched Gavin take charge of the situation. She liked that about him.
“Anything else?” she asked coyly.
“I just need you to promise me that you’ll do as I tell you. It’ll make me feel better about you being there with him.” He was staring off to the side.
“How about you ask instead of tell? I don’t appreciate your tone,” she snapped.
Gavin quickly looked at Faith, realizing that he was being a little stern.
He closed his eyes, “I’m sorry. I’m just upset.”
“I understand that, but I’m not a child. Don’t treat me like one.”
“Look, this isn’t easy for me. I’m not comfortable with him being anywhere near you. I just want you to be careful, that’s all,” Gavin sighed.
Faith stood up and went to close her door. She walked back and sat in Gavin’s lap. Placing her arms around his neck, she gazed in his eyes for a moment. “I promise that I’ll be careful. I’ll do as you’ve asked me. In return, you get to tell me what it is that makes you so uncomfortable about Carter. Okay?”
They leaned into each other, resting on each other’s foreheads. “Thank you. We’ll talk about it after the trip.” He gently kissed her cheek.
The following morning, Faith was up early, waiting for the limo to pick her up. Everything she needed for the trip was neatly placed by her front door. She heard a car driving up and immediately gathered her things. She opened the door, walked out, and closed and locked it behind her. When she turned to go to the car, she was surprised to see Gavin standing there. Cocking her head to the side, she smiled.
“What are you doing here?” she said.
“Hi, beautiful. I’m taking you to the airport,” said Gavin.
She walked towards him, “You didn’t even want me to ride with him, did you?” asked Faith.
“I wanted to see you before you left,” he said, leaning down to kiss her on the cheek. He opened the car door for her and took her bags, placing them in the trunk.
As he got in, Faith had a suspecting look on her face. He grinned and said, “I got your coffee,” as he pointed to the passenger side cupholder.
Faith raised her eyebrows, waiting for an admission.
“Alright,” chuckled Gavin as he threw his hands up in surrender. “You’re right. The less time you have to spend with Carter, the better.”
She smiled, satisfied. “Thank you,” she said as she picked up her coffee.
They were silent as they drove to the airport. Faith was still a bit tired, and stared out the window. When they reached the drop-off area, Gavin ran around to help her out of the car. She patiently waited as he got her bags from the trunk. He sat her bags beside her and moved closer to her, placing his arms around her waist. Faith rested her arms on his chest. Time seemed to stop as they gazed into each other’s eyes.
“Thanks for bringing me,” Faith said.
“You’re welcome. Remember what we talked about, okay? I’ll see you in a week.” Gavin pulled her in and gave her a hug, kissing her forehead. Not far from where they stood, Carter had been watching them, fuming inside. ‘That should be me,’ he thought. He walked into the airport and headed towards the gate.
“Okay,” Faith said, stepping away from him. Gavin watched her go inside and out of his sight. He got back in his car and started towards home.
A little while later, Carter and Faith boarded the plane, sitting together. He could barely wait for her to get situated before saying something.
“So you had your own escort this morning,” he said flatly.
“Gavin dropped me off, yes,” said Faith as she put on her seatbelt.
“I knew there was something going on between the two of you,” he said, rolling his eyes and glancing out the window.
“Because he brought me to the airport? That’s a stretch,” she said, shaking her head. Faith pulled out her iPod. Music would be more pleasant to listen to.
“Oh, I witnessed much more than that. If men wore lipstick, you’d be wearing the evidence on your forehead,” Carter said, turning to see her reaction.