Baby Bargain

by Vivien Vale

  "Got any coffee?" I ask.

  He points to the little mini fridge in his master bedroom. I open it and see a bottle of cold brew that has my name on it.

  I take out the drink and saunter back over to his bed. I get in and cuddle up next to him. His rock hard body doesn't escape me for a second. I already want more of him. He's addictive.

  I hand him the bottle so he can have some coffee. We share it.

  "So what are you doing today?" I ask.

  "I'm afraid I have to be at the office. There's just too much work that has to be handled," he says. "In fact, I should probably get into the shower."

  "Yeah, me, too. The work is overwhelming. But at least it's exciting work."

  He takes his laptop from the side table and it consumes his attention. It piques my curiosity and I wonder what he's looking at.

  I pull my legs up to my chest and sip my cold brew. Being in the penthouse like this with such good coffee is really the perfect way to start the day. Liam certainly lives the life.

  "Okay," he says, putting his computer down on the bed. "I have to jump in the shower or I'm gonna be late."

  I watch his tanned, toned ass leave and it's like the hottest view ever. Liam looks like a golden god, the perfect specimen of a man.

  Once I hear the shower water running, I get a shameful idea. His computer is just sitting there open on the bed. This is my perfect opportunity to implement what Charlotte and I discussed. I could just take a peek and see if his design ideas are on there.

  I know I have to hurry because his computer might sleep soon and I don't have the password. If I'm going to do this, I have to act fast.

  I make an executive decision in the moment to look. If he comes, in I'll just say I'm checking my email or something.

  With trembling fingers, I move the mouse around his computer until I find the folder marked Velvet Luxe.

  For a moment I hesitate, but then I push past it and click open the folder.

  It's all there. All his company's design ideas and notes, pages and pages of information are set right before me. It's everything I need to know.

  I begin opening different documents. I see their plan. The idea is to set the campaign in the city with models frolicking in the snow. His designers note using lots of deep tones of reds, blacks, and purples.

  His campaign hasn't deviated very much from the one his assistant presented at the initial meeting with Velvet Luxe.

  I look through the various documents and my heart sinks a little as I realize what I've done. I'm realizing it was wrong to do this because my ideas are better than what Dignity Creative has.

  I didn't even need to spy. My campaign is set apart from his already. I will shine.

  This gives me a new sense of self-confidence but also I fear that Liam will find out what I've done. I've officially spied on him.

  No, nothing is set between us. I'm not even sure he cares about me in any real way. But the sheer fact that I did something this shady makes me feel bad about myself. I pride myself on having integrity and this is definitely not something that my moral code allows me to do.

  I quickly log out of the folder and get back to the page he was on. Then I leave this computer alone on the bed, making it look untouched.

  I'm slightly trembling, so afraid that Liam will find out. I hear the shower water turn off and after a couple minutes he comes out wearing just a towel around his waist.

  Those rippling abs and that chiseled face get me every time.

  "Do you want to take a shower?" he asks.

  I fumble over my words. "Yes, um, yes. I should probably do that. Thanks."

  I walk over towards him naked and he strokes my body with his large hands. He cups my breasts and kisses me tenderly.

  I'd like to say the sensation is enough for me to forget about what I've just done, but it isn't. I feel a tremendous amount of guilt.

  I walk into his oversized master bath and step into the shower. I make the water hot, hotter than it should be. Maybe the pain of the heat will dissolve the pain of the remorse I feel inside.

  I stand under the shower head for a long time, just letting the water wash over me. I do feel good about the fact that I know I don't need his firm's ideas to win. I know that I'm creative enough to stand on my own. But I shouldn't have needed to spy to validate those feelings.

  I just betrayed someone and it doesn't feel good. This was a bad plan to begin with. I only feel this way because I now realize I can win without the help of anybody else.

  What if Liam's ideas had been better than mine? What would I have done then? Would I have changed my own design?

  All these questions weigh heavily on my mind as I realize I've stepped into uncharted territory. I don't like the feeling of being sinister and underhanded.

  I finally step out of the shower and he's there in the master bedroom waiting for me. He looks so hot in his suit.

  "Can I give you a ride to work?" he asks.

  "Yeah," I say, but what I did has dampened my mood. "That would be great."

  I slip on my dress from last night but I don’t bother retrieving my panties. I put my heels on and undo the messy bun that's containing my many curls. I shake my hair out and then take Liam's proffered hand.

  We make our way down to the limousine. He’s always riding in style and it's a feeling I'll likely never get used to.

  He turns to me. "Do you want to get some breakfast?"

  I check my phone to see what time it is and then agree. He's being such a gentleman today. It does nothing to squash the sense of treachery I feel in deceiving him.

  He instructs the driver to take us to a little-known spot.

  "This is my favorite place to eat in the morning," he says.

  We walk inside and it's entirely enchanting. The place reminds me of a Hobbit house but with little private wooden booths and plenty of art. It feels inspiring and I can see why Liam would like to dine here.

  I order a matcha latte and he gets breakfast.

  "You're not gonna order anything to eat?" he asks, frowning.

  "I'm not much of a breakfast person. Basically, all I need before noon is coffee, coffee, and more coffee."

  He chuckles. "Every moment I'm starting to learn more about you."

  "Yeah, me, too," I say, trying to hide the self-reproach from my voice.

  I love spending time with Liam but it's very hard when I feel such this discomposure at having spied on him.

  He eats, and I watch him while I drink my coffee. He's so handsome and yet unrefined by rugged features. His strong stature makes me feel safe, as though I could melt into him and there'd be enough of him to contain all of me and my complicated nature.

  I can see why virtually every girl on the planet would want to be his, if only for a little while. And secretly, deep within at a place I dare not visit often, I think of how it would feel to be his.

  What would it feel like if this thing with Liam were real? A part of me hopes it is and another part is equally terrified at the prospect of having such an intense man in my life all the time.

  I succumb to a sense of confusion as I realize that my feelings for him are running deeper than expected. This, combined with my treachery, is enough to make me feel very hot, and not in a good way.

  I feel claustrophobic. I have to get out. I need air. My emotions are tearing me in half. I feel like I have to get away from him as fast as possible so that I can clear my head.

  "Liam, I have to run. I just realized what time it is and I think I have a meeting," I say, gathering my things.

  He looks at me warily like he knows something is off. "Claire, let me give you a ride. The limo is right outside."

  "No, no. It's fine. We're going in different directions and I wouldn't want to hold you up. Really, I'll just grab a cab."

  I stand and kiss his cheek before dashing out the door. The weight of what I've done is heavy upon my shoulders.

  I wish I'd never thought of spying on Liam. The mortification and dish
onor of what I've done is just too much to bear. It wasn't worth it.

  I hail a cab and I feel his eyes on me from behind the window.

  The idea that he watches me so closely and is so possessive turns me on, and that makes the reality of my betrayal all the worse. If Liam ever finds out what I did, I could lose him forever.

  Liam

  I'll never tire of riding in the back of a limo.

  It's been my mode of transportation for so long that I almost forget what it was like before I was a billionaire. It’s so classy and convenient to simply have everything at the tips of your fingers—at the push of a button. It doesn’t hurt too that girls are immediately floored upon seeing my ride.

  My driver is weaving his way through the city to take me back to my building. I admire the views and the rush of city life. I could never live anywhere else but here.

  At the same time, my mind is wondering about Claire. Why did she make such an early exit? I can't understand it. We had a night full of passion and I even topped it off by bringing her to breakfast, which is something I don't normally do.

  She seems spooked or something and I don't know why. Maybe Claire's afraid that I'll hurt her? I can't say that I won't. I'm definitely into her but my interest in women seldom lasts for very long.

  We finally get to the office and I take the private elevator up to my penthouse. Instead of working, I pace back-and-forth and think about whether or not I should be trying to buy Claire's company behind her back.

  This whole thing is Evan's idea, really, and I'm not sure if it's a good one overall. Sure, it’s good for Evan’s personal goals, and I can definitely help Claire. But how good will it be for Claire?

  Now that I know more about her, I know that she's honest and has integrity, and I respect her for her dedication. She's worked very hard to build her company. Who am I to take that away from her?

  It feels like I'd be betraying her, no matter what my intentions are, to try to buy her out or to spy on her.

  Brooding at my desk, I think about what I should do. I feel a weird desire to be transparent with Claire.

  I want her to feel like she can trust me so that she’ll give herself over to me fully. I want to be in control of her and that can only happen if she trusts and allows me to do it.

  There's a knock on my door and Evan appears. He's the last person I feel like talking to right now, but it might be nice to shoot the shit and forget about Claire for a little bit.

  "Hi, Liam," he says. "I thought we might have a midday drink and discuss a few things."

  I move over to the seating area of the penthouse where there are tufted sofas and a vintage coffee table. My interior designer did very good work in this place. It's masculine with a contemporary feel.

  "Sure, what will you have?" I say as I head to the carved wooden bar in my office. "I got this new Johnnie Walker in that's a blended scotch. You will love it."

  He sits on one of the leather couches.

  "That sounds great. You always have the best stuff in here."

  Of course, I have the best. I own several houses, a plane, and countless cars. Why should I drink anything less than the best?

  No doubt, Evan is certainly taking advantage of my lavish lifestyle. He may not be a billionaire but he's certainly enjoying the perks. What can I say? He's my vice president and I can't help but allow him to ride my coattails a little bit. Besides, who wants to drink alone?

  "So, have you seen Claire lately?" he asks, getting straight to the point of his visit.

  I wonder what his fascination is with Claire. Sometimes he seems more interested in her than I am. What is his angle in wanting to take her company? Is it because he wants to run Epica, or is there something else he’s not telling me?

  I hate that I can't trust my own VP. If he undermines me in any way, I'm gonna have to find somebody to replace him.

  For now, I let it go and I play his game.

  "Actually, yes, I saw her last night. We spent the night together," I say.

  His expression betrays a hint of surprise.

  "Oh really? Well, that's new. You don't let anybody stay over at your penthouse."

  His words are true. Rarely do I wake up next to a woman. I'm usually ushering them out the door at about 3 AM.

  I don't want to get into it with Evan and reveal too much of my feelings for Claire and how complicated it is. Asking about work is fine and normal. But he doesn't deserve to know my business.

  I sit across from him on the other couch and pour us both a stiff drink. I've been waiting to crack open this bottle for a while.

  He swishes the amber liquid around in his glass and thinks a minute before speaking up.

  "You know, this may be out of my territory but I don't think Claire is in the same league as you. You're used to dating models and socialites, people with class. So I don't get why you're falling so hard for this person, who has no money, no rank, and her company is about to fold because she's so bad at managing it."

  His words cause a swell of fury to ignite inside of me. The fact that he's demeaning Claire right in front of me enrages me. I need to put this dick in his place.

  "Number one, I'm not falling for her," I correct him. "And how do you know anything about her, huh? Maybe it's not always about money."

  "Clearly," he sneers.

  "If she's so awful and beneath me, why are you invested in getting her company? What's in it for you? Tell me the truth," I say to him, trying to hide the rage from my voice.

  He seems to waver a little bit under my brash tone as he should. I don't know where he gets off talking about this.

  I take a long slow sip of my blended Johnny Walker and wait for his response. Nothing he could ever say will sway my opinion of Claire. But it will reveal his true intentions.

  At last, after considering his words, he responds.

  "I care about this company, Liam. I care about you. I'd like to think we've become friends since I started working here and what I'm doing is looking out for you. Claire might be trying to use you to get ahead. Her company's about to fail after all and you're the biggest ad agency in town. I just don't think you should trust her.

  “Someone that's a little more high-society, someone that doesn't need your money, might be a safer bet both for you and the company."

  His words piss me off so much. He doesn't even know Claire. If he did, he would understand that she is entirely devoted to her craft and she doesn't care about society, or money, or any manner of things that don't really matter. That's what I find so intriguing about her.

  She's strong and she knows how to take care of herself.

  Suddenly, I'm feeling very possessive of her and I'm sick of hearing Evan's opinion about everything.

  "You're starting to venture into shady territory. I warn you not to talk about Claire like that," I say to him bitterly.

  He sips his drink and looks unfazed.

  "Come on Liam, you're not gonna let a girl get between us. I'm your wingman, someone you can trust. I just think you should watch out for Claire and keep your radar up. Purchase her company and then cut the tie to her. I don't think she is who she says she is."

  "And why is that?"

  "Just look at her Liam, she can't even afford her own Louis Vuitton. That's not the kind of girl you usually date. Claire's lack of finances might mean that she's using you," he says. "Besides, she's stupid for being invested in you when you're clearly such a player."

  I'm astonished at the words he's saying. I just gave him a warning which he totally disregarded.

  I've had enough so I stand up and motion for him to leave. He's lucky I don't punch him out right here.

  "Evan, I want you to get the hell out of here. You're crossing the line. I don't need your opinion on my personal life or anything else. I gave you a warning which you ignored. You’re skating on thin ice. Now get out."

  He looks bewildered that I've turned on him, but I don't give a shit. Evan's clandestine motives are on full display and I don't k
now how I didn't see it sooner.

  He's a sneaky son-of-a-bitch. I'm so angry about his deluded and scheming comments that it's hard not to want to unleash on him.

  I feel protective of Claire. I don't want anybody talking bad about her. She may not be my girlfriend officially, but I'd like to think I know who she is, and she doesn't deserve this kind of treatment.

  And the fact that Evan is so obviously beguiled by money is disheartening. He seems to think that my money is his money. I'm the one that built his business from scratch. I'm the one that spent hours upon hours conceiving of it.

  This is my business, not his. Any money Evan has is because of me. He should be a little more grateful.

  I finish my drink and try to calm my pounding heart. The adrenaline of wanting to crush Evan slowly fades and I'm able to push these thoughts aside and try to work.

  I'm overseeing various ad campaigns, only one of which is Velvet Luxe. I make sure my team is hard at work on it. Throughout the day, I’m just steaming over Evan and wondering what's gotten into Claire.

  It's one of those days when things aren’t smoothly falling into place and that annoys me. Maybe I need to see Claire.

  Claire

  I feel a little shaken after ditching Liam over breakfast.

  I just couldn't sit there another second longer knowing about my unethical behavior.

  I don't know why I feel torn over betraying him. It's not like we're committed. I don’t even know if he has feelings for me.

  Plus, I think what I did can't be considered that much of a big deal. I just took a little peek at his files on the Velvet Luxe campaign. One thing is apparent though, he has a team of people working on the project other than himself.

  Personally, I pride myself on being a hands-on boss. So I do not agree on his means of carrying out this project. But, it's not in my nature to snoop.

  The cab driver's trying to chat with me but I'm not in the mood. I just want to sulk in silence.

  I'm happy when he turns the familiar corner and I see my little vintage building. It never fails to induce a sense of excitement. I love my job and I love the advertising world.