by K. J. Lewis
“Thank you.” She yawns and stands on her tiptoes to offer a kiss to his cheek. He bends slightly accepting her gratitude. “You coming?” she asks.
“I’ll be in shortly. I have to shower and I want to cut my hair.”
“You wanted me to. I’m sorry I forgot.” Gabby yawns.
“Bed.” I send her on her way. Turning back to Reid, I say, “I’m starving. Want me to fix you something.”
“You’re cutting your hair?”
“Yep.”
“Why?”
“It’s too long. Once it reaches my waist and I begin to look Pentecostal, I cut and donate it. Then start over again. This year I’m donating in honor of Emily, Ryan’s little sister.”
He frowns but doesn’t say anything.
The chalet has a fully-stocked fridge, so I have everything I need to make a pasta with shrimp I grill on the stove. I toss it together and grab the garlic bread from the oven. Reid has a bottle of wine open for us.
“This is delicious. You, my Dove, can cook.”
My heart flutters at his commendation and again at his term of endearment. “My Momma made sure all of us could cook. Even my brother.”
“Dove?” I question but he doesn’t respond.
“How many siblings do you have?” He slurps a noodle.
“I have an older brother, Knox. He’s thirty. And we have a younger sister, Bren, who’s twenty-two. Do you have any siblings?”
“I have an older brother. Dean.”
“Are you close?”
“We have our disagreements, like any bothers, but there isn’t anything we wouldn’t do for the other.”
“What about your parents? Do you see them often?”
“When I get to Boston, I do. That’s where they live now.”
My phone rings and I answer on speaker. “Hey, babe.”
“Hi, sweetheart. Did I catch you at a bad time?” Theo asks sounding tired.
“No. We didn’t make it to dinner so we’re just eating.”
“Who’s we?”
“Reid and I. Gabby just went to bed. She’s staying the night.”
“Okay. I won’t be back until the day after tomorrow.”
“Why? What’s going on? Is the press that bad for Blaine Moore?”
“No. Like I said, Emme Taylor took care of that already. If you get a chance, go online. She found proof that it was the record producer who took the money. It’s all over.”
“Wow. She is good.”
“I tried to hire her, but she turned me down. She’s working with her best friend and only got back into the game to help Blaine. I’m calling because I got a call from Steve Bowens. He has a problem and wants to meet tomorrow. Their headquarters is in Denver. I’ve been pulled into an issue with Senator Haynes’ son, so I will need you in Denver. They are sending a helicopter for you in the morning. I’ll send you the details. Reid?”
“Yep,” Reid answers.
“If you want to watch Elise at work, you should go with her.”
“I might do that.”
“I think you would enjoy it. She’s really good at being on top…”
We hear a little static. Reid chokes on a shrimp and takes a long sip of wine. “What did you say, man?”
“I said Elise is really good at being on top of things. You should go. I’ll see you day after tomorrow. We can finish up with everyone there. By the way, while you are in Denver I’ll teleconference with the team. I’m going to need them to help on this one.”
“Need me?” I ask.
“No. This isn’t a case you want.”
“Got it. I’m scheduled to speak tomorrow. I’ll work it in after the meeting with Bowens. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Will do. I love you,” Theo says.
“Ah, I love you too, man,” Reid croons.
“Shut it, knob-head. I was talking to Els.”
“I love you, too,” I tell him and disconnect the call.
“I’ll help you clean. Then I guess I need to read some emails.” Reid stands and clears our plates. “My mom will be really happy to hear how many times I cleaned up after a meal this week.”
I laugh and prop my hip against the counter. “Would you mind doing me a favor before you start on your work?”
“What?” he asks tentatively.
“Would you cut my hair for me?”
Without hesitation he answers, “No.”
“Please. It’s hard to make the first cut yourself and not jeopardize the straight cut you need for the donation. I can do the rest myself.”
“Sorry.”
“Fine,” I pout like a teenager.
“Where are you going?”
“I have to get my scissors out of my bag. I cut it dry then wash it.”
I sneak into my bathroom and feel around in the dark for scissors, a brush, and a ponytail holder. Entering the living area, I pull a stool in front of the large mirror and grab my glass of wine. I give my hair a good brushing and pull it into a ponytail at the front of my forehead, the way you should if you are cutting your own hair, but it takes too much length away from the part I’m donating. Brushing it back again, I pull it into a ponytail at the length I want it and take a large sip of wine. With Kendrick Lamar playing in the background, I proceed to cut my hair.
“Stop.” Reid pulls the scissors out of my hands. “You’re going to hurt yourself. These things are sharp.”
“They have to be to cut hair.”
“Tell me what to do,” he mutters.
I show him where and how to make the cut.
“I can’t believe I’m doing this.” His eyes meet mine in the mirror. “I love your hair.”
“And you’ll love it short, too. Besides, I’m not doing a pixie like Fran’s. It will still have plenty for you to grab should you choose to before the week is over.”
His eyes darken and he nods. Without a spoken word he begins to cut, taking his time and concentrating on the task at hand. I feel it when he makes the last cut, and hands me my ponytail. I run my finger though it. I’d guess it to be about twelve to fourteen inches.
“What’s next?” he asks, his hands resting on my shoulders.
“Make sure the length is even then rough it up a little. When it’s shorter I like it to be a little edgier.” I twist a strand of hair and show him how to run the scissors down it to create an even, layering effect. “You can’t mess up my hair. I’ve been cutting it for years.”
“It’s so thick. You have so much of it,” he says idly. I hand him my glass of wine, and he finishes it off before he gets started.
Slowly and methodically he starts to cut my hair, razor cutting the layers like I showed him and making sure it’s even. He doesn’t speak. He concentrates on his task. He steps back and flexes his fingers through my hair at the top of my scalp, watching the movement. He stops and cuts a little more. He repeats this process until he’s satisfied.
“Now my bangs.” I pull them forward so he knows what to cut. “I like to tuck them behind my ears so try not to cut them shorter than here.” I use the middle of my ear as a guide.
He bites his lip as he makes the final cuts. I cast my eyes down for a moment and notice that he’s hard. He shifts to stand behind me again, measuring to ensure sure my bangs are even in the mirror. When he’s satisfied, he looks up and finds that I am watching his reflection. His chest moves rapidly. I stand, but before I can make a step, he lifts my dress, shoves my underwear down my legs, and buries himself inside of me.
Fuck, if that wasn’t one of the most erotic things I’ve ever done to a woman. I wanted to stop after I made the first cut and fuck Elise into tomorrow, but I couldn’t tear myself away from the experience. I crave control. Need it. And she just handed it to me on a platter. Never has a woman given me that level of govern over her body. Jesus, this girl is surprising.
“Hand on the stool, Elise.” Elise obeys and braces both hands against the stool. I move her dress up her back to make sure she can see me taking her,
claiming her. “Watch,” I order.
Elise turns her head and watches in the mirror beside us. I pull out to my tip and slam back in, repeating the move over and over. Her beautiful face never turns from the mirror, and I can feel her arousal climbing. My girl gets off on watching. The thought is enough to push me to the edge, and with a push to her clit, we come together in a mind blowing release. Out of breath and heart pounding, I wrap my arms around her and rest against her back. Another advantage to her having a healthy body is I can lay on her. I don’t feel like she’ll break if I fuck her hard.
When she says my name in a breathless whisper, my cock twitches inside her.
“Shower.” I stand and pull out of her. “You said you wash after the cut.” I pull her to my bathroom and strip her of her clothing before removing my own. I want to finish what I started and wash Elise’s hair.
“Is that too hot?” I ask, moving her under the water.
“No,” she answers softly. Lathering my hands, I work the shampoo through her shortened hair. Her beautiful eyes are fixed to mine, and her hands rest on my hips. My half-erect cock is resting against her stomach. I lean down and kiss her nose when I reach behind to work the shampoo to the tips of her hair. I tip her chin and rinse the suds before repeating the step with conditioner. Only this time when I rinse her hair, her hands move to my chest and she lazily rubs her thumbs over my flattened nipples. It sends a sensation directly to my balls. Squeezing the last of the water from her hair, she reaches down and pulls me to her by my erection. Rising onto her tiptoes she slides onto my cock torturously slow, releasing the most sensual sound I’ve ever heard.
Elise pulls my chest to her and playfully bites and sucks my nipples. Her tongue darts out to lick the trails droplets of water have left behind. Positioning me balls deep in her warm, swollen channel, she pleasures herself on my dick. I hold her face in my hands. She looks young and innocent as the water rains over her. I run my thumb over her swollen lips. It pleases me that she takes what she wants from me, but I can’t stop myself from taking control of the movement and the pace.
“Eyes open, Dove.”
I push her against the wall to leverage myself deeper within her. Her climax builds, but I can feel her holding it back. Her eyes close and I know it is because of the intensity she is feeling. I am feeling it, too. “Open,” I demand softly. As soon as her eyes open and focus on mine, she quakes into an orgasm so incredible to watch I pour into her.
“Just a work-trip hook-up,” she says. I think it’s a quiet attempt to keep us focused on what we started. But I know as quickly as this began, that I have already crossed a line. A line so far gone I can’t even see it anymore.
We wash each other’s bodies and dry off.
“Is this tender?” I ask, running my hand over the bruise on her side from her earlier fall.
“Not really. It’s a good thing, huh?” she teases with a wink.
“Sorry.” I respond sheepishly. Guess that question would have been better served before I handled her the way I did.
“I’ll see you in the morning.” She kisses my cheek.
“Stay.” I can hear the pleading in my voice, but I don’t care. I want to wake up with this girl in my arms.
“I told Gabby I would be in to sleep with her.” With regret in her eyes and a gentle kiss to my lips, she leaves me wanting more than any woman before her.
I try to sleep, but I just keep tossing and turning. I finally get up and make my way to the kitchen. Maybe if I have a bite to eat I’ll feel like sleeping. I stare into in the fridge for several minutes, but I know what I want is not in here. It’s in the bedroom.
Could I? Just one glance? Unable to stop myself, I shuffle to her room and open the door with the moves of a stealth ninja. I can’t help but chuckle at the scene. Elise is spooning Gabby from head to toe and has her tucked inside her arms like a child holding a teddy bear. They are balanced on the edge of the bed with a vast space behind Elise. A space big enough for me, I muse. Creepy, Reid. Creepy.
Nova and I enter the chalet to a room full of people. The entire team is here.
After a restless night of sleep, I finally got up and took Nova for an early morning walk and let him chase the birds for a while. He makes a beeline for the kitchen and is given what he is in search of: bacon.
“Just in time,” Ryan says, setting his plate on the table. Breakfast is being served buffet style. Everyone circles the island to prepare their plate.
“Coffee’s ready,” Gabby says to me. “Eat something. Elise makes a great breakfast. She just went to change.” I can’t tell if this is a casual announcement, or if she could see my eyes scanning the room for Elise. Either way, I pulled a two-by-four’s worth of wood out of her ass last night, so I think we are on equal footing.
Nodding my thanks, I pour my coffee and wait for the line to die down. I hear her laughter before I see her. She rounds the corner, and I have to cover my audible gasp with my coffee mug. She looks fucking fantastic. I had no idea she had curly hair. It skims the top of her shoulders, and it’s the sexiest style I’ve ever seen on a woman. She was right. I like her hair long but I love it short.
She smiles and gives me a wink as she bends over to offer a piece of bacon to Nova.
“You’re getting played. That’s his second piece,” I warn her.
“He told me.” She shrugs and hands me a plate. I move to her and she discretely grabs my ass. No one seems to notice besides Nova. And he’s not saying a word.
I pretend to drop my fork and lean down to pick it up. Slowly, I skim my fingers along the inside of her leg and up her thigh, delighting in the feel of my fingertips skimming the underside of her ass cheek. She chews her lip and quickly fixes her plate to put some distance between us.
“So. The yearly cut.” Blake motions to Elise’s hair.
“Yep.” She digs into her food.
“I’m sorry,” Gabby says. “I would have cut it for you if you had waited. But you did a good job. It’s the perfect length.”
Elise doesn’t say that I’m the one who cut it, and I find that I like knowing it’s something else for just the two of us.
“Someone had a late night,” Ryan instigates with an ill-behaved look, and for a minute, I think he’s talking about me.
“I slept over here with Elise,” Gabby answers with spunk. She and Ryan must be cabin mates.
“Then you have my apologies,” Ryan says with a twirl of his finger.
“Seriously. Why did you sleep with her? The whole reason we saddled Theo with her is so we wouldn’t have to sleep with Octoboss,” Fran says.
“We watched a late movie, and I’ll have you know, she never complained once,” Elise defends herself.
All utensils halt in mid-air as the entire table looks to Gabby for confirmation. She suddenly becomes very interested in her food.
“Gabriella Jane,” Elise snips. “You know it was not that bad.”
Gabby musters her courage and looks Elise directly in the eye. “At one point you tried to unzip me and crawl inside my body.”
“Tall tales for someone who isn’t even five feet,” Elise digs with a gleam in her eye.
“I’m five-two,” Gabby snaps back. This must be a sore spot for her. Like her ass, I imagine.
Elise grins and changes the topic. “I won’t be joining you all today on your team building. Ryan will be taking the lead. There’s a chance that Theo will be reaching out to some of you to help with a new client, his uncle, Senator Bowens.”
“I’m already on it,” Blake informs her without looking up from his plate.
“Already on what?” Elise asks in an uncharacteristically sharp tone.
Blake must hear the same tone. His eyes dart to Ryan and back to Elise. “I’m already working a few items for Theo.”
“Since when?”
“Since last night.” He sets his fork down and looks at her. “Elise,” he says quietly, shaking his head. It’s obvious he’s at a loss as to what to say.
>
“And your role?” Elise’s anger is obvious. She doesn’t break eye contact with him.
“I’m doing what I always do. Find the dirt.”
“Find the dirt or present the dirt?”
“Elise.” Ryan says her name softly, but she has her claws in Blake and is not letting go.
“Blake? Find the dirt or present the dirt?” When he doesn’t respond, she asks, “When was the decision made to go dirty?”
“It hit the obscure papers in D.C. this morning. Page ten, but it’s only a matter of time before the top ledgers and the cameras pick it up.”
“Why wasn’t I told?”
“Elise.” Ryan says her name again, this time with a little more force.
“I have a case in Denver. Then I have a speaking engagement at a local high school.” It’s silent for a minute before she shakes her head and quietly adds, “What a fucking hypocrite.”
“He’s just doing his job,” Ryan says.
She finally turns to face Ryan. “I was talking about me,” she says before standing and going to her room.
My eyes dart round the table and I can see their admiration and love for this woman. They do not like being on the opposite side of her.
“Dammit!” Blake yells, pushing back from the table.
“It’s not your fault.” Fran pats his arm.
“No. It’s Theo’s, and he better get his shit together,” Gabby says, clearing the table.
“Alright. Everyone head out. I’ll meet you there. Blake, Gabby, and Fran. Hang back,” Ryan instructs. Watching the dynamic of these four leaders without Theo or Elise involved is interesting.
“Someone want to fill me in?” I ask.
“It’s not our story to tell. But we’ve got a long day ahead of us. We all know what that look means. I’ve been here five years, and I can count on three fingers when I’ve seen it,” Ryan says.
“When Elise is pissed. Look out,” Fran adds.
The door opens and everyone watches Elise like she might explode. It’s so at odds with the Elise I’ve seen the last few days, but this is the Elise that precedes her reputation. The look in her eyes resembles mine when I’m going into battle over a company.