Come with Me (Let It Be Me #2)

by Tiara Bosh

  She inhaled then exhaled deeply. “I was around ten when one of my dad’s colleagues passed away from a stroke,” she continued, “and my dad found out that colleague was estranged from his family because he put work first. Since that happened Dad made it a point to spend more time with us. Like I’d told you my dad and I would watch a movie together at least once a week. It became our thing, and those were my favorite times of the week. And I’m ashamed to admit it, but I couldn’t help but be thankful to his colleague who died. It was because of his death that I got my dad back.”

  Ben dropped his arm and pulled her in an embrace. He saw the solemnity and guilt in her face.

  “I hope you haven’t been feeling guilty for thinking that all these years,” Ben said. “Anyone would have thought and felt the same. You had nothing to do with that man’s death.”

  Liz wrapped her arms around his waist then held on tight. Ben stroked her hair.

  “Thank you for listening,” Liz said, her voice muffled as she had her mouth on his shoulder.

  “Anytime,” he said. He wanted to know anything and everything about her.

  Liz started kissing him on his shoulder, moving to his throat then up to his chin. Ben started getting hard with her ministrations. When Liz reached his lips, Ben raised his arms to hold on to her head.

  “Liz, I’m out of condoms,” he told her regretfully.

  “I have in my drawer,” Liz said to Ben’s relief, and leaned over him to pull one out from her bedside table drawer and handed it to him. She went back to kissing him.

  “Aren’t you sore?” Ben asked throatily, briefly breaking away from the kiss.

  Liz shook her head, and startled Ben when he felt her hand on his cock. Ben lowered one of his hands in between them to find her heat. He inserted one finger, and found her already wet for him. Liz gasped.

  “Oh Liz,” he moaned as he quickly put on the condom. He moved his hand to her hip. With both of them still at their sides, Ben entered her and they slowly made love.

  Ben never felt more connected to Liz as that moment. Saying it was beautiful was an understatement as they both gave and took all they had.

  After they both found their release, Ben kissed her while hugging her tightly, as they both tried to regain normal breathing.

  “What do you have for the day?” he asked her, after a while.

  “I have a schedule at the library this afternoon, then I have to pass by the Laundromat.”

  “Can I go with you?” Ben asked, almost surprising himself. He had the morning and afternoon free. He just knew he wanted to spend as much time with her.

  Liz was also startled, but smiled. “Sure.”

  Ben smiled back at her.

  “I’ll just use the bathroom,” he said, after kissing her on the forehead and moving out of the bed.

  He picked up his boxers and pants from the floor and put them on. He turned to look at Liz as he buttoned his jeans, and found her gazing at him hungrily.

  He laughed. “Stop looking at me like that or we will never get to leave your bedroom.”

  “That doesn’t sound like a bad idea,” Liz said, smirking.

  Ben laughed. Who knew Liz would be such a vixen?

  * * *

  “How are the wedding plans going?” Ben asked. He was in Alex’s apartment, having dinner with Alex and Kayla. He’s been there for over an hour already. They were just having dessert of fresh fruits with wine.

  “Stressful,” Kayla muttered. “Why did we choose a fall wedding, Alex?”

  Alex and Kayla already set a date two months away. Because of Alex’s profile, they had to set it in an area that would offer them privacy. They decided on a hotel and resort in Aspen that was beautiful even when it wasn’t winter. It was one of their destinations in one of their travels during the past months and they both loved it. Alex already booked the whole hotel for their wedding.

  “Because I don’t want to wait longer than that to get married to you,” Alex replied, winking at her. He reached over to clasp her hand.

  Seeing Alex and Kayla get all starry-eyed made Ben think of Liz.

  He had a wonderful weekend with her. That morning, he ran home to shower and change, then went back to her apartment to pick her up for brunch. He then went with her to the Laundromat before heading to the library.

  He watched as she interacted with the residents who used the library, and he was enthralled. She was so humble and so good-natured. When there weren’t anyone else in the library, she readily made out with him.

  She made Ben feel like a high school boy again.

  If he hasn’t confirmed to this dinner with Alex and Kayla beforehand, he would have offered to cook dinner for Liz just so he could still stay with her.

  He then felt something on his forehead, startling him.

  “Yo, Benjo,” Alex called, breaking into his thoughts.

  Ben looked around and saw a piece of grape on the table in front of him.

  “Did you just throw food at me?” Ben ask, dumbfounded. “What are you, five?”

  Ben looked at Alex who was just grinning. Kayla was laughing.

  “We kinda lost you there, brother,” Alex said. “What’s up with you? You’ve been distracted all evening.”

  Ben shrugged, not wanting to divulge the weekend’s happenings yet, especially when he hasn’t figured out how they can resolve about Liz working in RHS and him being one of the bosses.

  “Just have things in my mind,” he said cryptically.

  He didn’t miss the look Alex and Kayla exchanged. Not wanting to raise any more suspicions, he had to change the topic.

  “How’s Jenny?” he asked.

  “Dying of boredom,” Kayla replied, laughing. “She’s practically planning my wedding for me, so at least she’s busy while she’s stuck in bed.”

  “Should I be hurt that Jenny seems more excited planning our wedding than you?” Alex asked Kayla kiddingly.

  “The celebration is Jenny’s thing,” Kayla replied. “I just want to get married to you.” She scooted to kiss Alex on the lips. “Let me clear the table as the two of you can talk business.”

  “Thanks, hun,” Alex said, kissing her one more time before Kayla stood up and picked up the dishes from the table.

  “So we’ve already confirmed with Frank and he’s on board,” Alex said, facing Ben.

  Ben nodded. “He already knows our budget so we’ll be coordinating with him and the casting director for the other actors.”

  “And he knows our schedule?” Alex asked.

  “Yes. He said he’d have the location shortlisted so we can check it out by next month.”

  “Great,” Alex said enthusiastically. “So this is really happening huh.”

  “It sure is,” Ben said grinning. It was great that he and Alex shared the same goals.

  “Then the foundation’s projects? All on track?”

  Ben nodded. “Stone Homes will be done in three to four months before they apply for the occupancy permit. As for the school, I haven’t spoken to Henry about the tally, but based on my estimate from Friday, we raised more than half of what we need already. So we plan another one of those, and we’re good to go.”

  “That’s great,” Alex exclaimed. “So Kevin and his team can proceed with the construction drawings so we can have the contractors bid. We also need to finalize our plans on regular funding to sustain the school.”

  “I think Dana already has a proposal for that,” Ben said. “Let’s set a meeting this week for that.”

  Alex nodded.

  “Liz and Kayla will also be meeting soon for the New Jersey lot,” Ben reported.

  “I heard my name,” Kayla said, walking in from the kitchen. She plopped back down on her chair and took a sip of wine from her glass.

  Ben grinned.

  “Alex and I have already seen Liz’s proposals for the lot,” Ben explained. “I told her to meet you outside hours so you can give your technical input – preliminary floor count plus consideration o
f building restrictions.”

  “Sure, would love to,” Kayla said enthusiastically.

  “Should I tell her to wait till after your wedding?” Ben asked.

  “Nah, I can meet her this week,” Kayla said, and Ben laughed as he saw Alex give Kayla a warning look. Kayla impishly rolled her eyes at Alex.

  “Okay, thanks, I’ll let her know,” Ben said, grinning.

  “See, Kayla, Ben has gone one-eighty in his opinion of Liz,” Alex said.

  Kayla playfully swatted Alex’s arm.

  Ben felt sheepish, looking down at his glass of wine thinking how he’s so wrongly judged Liz at the beginning. Alex was right all along that somehow because of Eunice, he developed some prejudice against people who grew up in rich families.

  But Liz has changed that, as he assured her.

  Alex’s phone started ringing, snapping Ben again out of his thoughts.

  “Excuse me,” Alex said, standing up and walking out to his living area.

  Ben turned to Kayla, who was smiling at him warmly.

  “You seem happy and at peace, Ben,” she said. “I’m happy for you.”

  Ben was caught off-guard. Kayla knew about Eunice – he told her about it months ago, and he knew Alex told Kayla about Ben seeing Eunice in New York again. “I – uh,” he tried to talk but he was rendered speechless.

  “Sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable,” Kayla said quickly, apologetically.

  “Oh, no worries,” Ben said, offering her a smile. Kayla has been a friend for the past year or so. They’ve been a bit more open to each other. “A lot has happened in the past days. It all just hasn’t sunk in.”

  “Well I’m glad you aren’t bothered about Eunice anymore, or so it seems,” Kayla said.

  Ben nodded, smiling.

  “Alex and I are here for you, okay?” Kayla said.

  Ben nodded again. He wished he could tell them about Liz.

  But how can he tell them that he slept with one of their employees?

  Chapter 24

  Liz

  “How about gyros for lunch, Liz?” Dana asked, approaching Liz’s desk.

  Liz looked at the clock and saw it was quarter to twelve.

  “Gyros sound great,” Liz said, looking up and grinning.

  “Cool,” Dana said, beaming. “I’ll see you and Sarah at the front at twelve.”

  Liz nodded. “See you!”

  Liz used the remaining minutes to finish up some documents she was preparing for her meeting with Kayla that evening. When they met at Stone Homes a couple days ago, Kayla said that Ben told her about it, and that she was available Thursday evening for a dinner meeting.

  Liz readily agreed, because she was excited to get the project rolling and Kayla’s input would certainly bring the project to the right direction.

  Liz just printed the last page when she saw it was a minute to twelve. She got her purse and stood up, to see that Dana and Sarah were still in their seats. She walked over to Sarah.

  “Let’s go, I’m hungry,” Liz said as she approached Sarah. Liz spied Dana walking towards them too.

  “Okay!” Sarah said, standing up.

  The three of them walked down the hallway. They just rounded the corner to the reception area when she spotted Ben coming in. Liz immediately felt the heat and her pulse started quickening.

  Ben was casual as he smiled at the three girls. “Enjoy your lunch, ladies,” he said, but Liz saw his gaze linger at her a few seconds longer.

  Liz watched as he maneuvered so that when he crossed paths with the three of them, he passed by Liz’s side. Liz had a whiff of his cologne and when she felt his finger graze her hand playfully, she almost jumped. She quickly looked at Dana and Sarah but they didn’t notice anything.

  She turned to see Ben’s retreating back and Liz was still feeling warm.

  It’s been four days since she and Ben first slept with each other, and Liz was over the moon. Alex’s filming schedule in L.A. was over so Ben has been in New York for the past days.

  He has been to her apartment every evening since Monday, and they couldn’t get enough of each other. He even cooked for her one evening – pan-seared salmon with steamed vegetables. She was quite impressed.

  Liz was quiet as she followed Dana and Sarah to the elevator and during the ride down. Good thing Dana had some stories to tell about Adam so Liz didn’t have to speak.

  As they exited the elevator, Liz’s mobile phone buzzed. She checked who the message was from and instantly felt her cheeks burn when she saw it was from Ben.

  Her hand slightly shook as she clicked on it.

  “You look pretty today.”

  Liz was glad she chose a plain black tee over a long A-line printed skirt for her office getup for the day. She dressed nicely for her meeting with Kayla.

  She looked at Dana and Sarah then replied quickly. “Thank you. You look kinda hot today too.”

  She was blushing as she clicked on send, and tried to listen in on Dana as they walked to the Greek restaurant, but her phone buzzed again.

  “Interesting choice of words, Elizabeth. Will I see you tonight?” Liz grinned. He would sometimes call her with her full name if he was flirting with her.

  “Having dinner with Kayla.”

  “After?”

  “Maybe.”

  She smiled as she sent the last message. She couldn’t resist playing with him.

  She saw they have reached the restaurant so she put her phone on silent so she could focus on Dana and Sarah.

  They were feasting on their gyros a few minutes later when Dana spoke up.

  “What’s with you, Liz?” she asked. “You have a different vibe. You’ve been quiet.”

  Liz sat up, surprised by the question but not really. She’s been out of sorts for the past days during her lull moments. She had to be careful with her actions especially with her colleagues.

  “Just nervous about meeting Kayla tonight,” she fibbed. Dana and Sarah knew about the new project, and Liz told them about the meeting after she and Kayla set it.

  “You’ll do fine, Liz,” Sarah said supportively. “Between you and Kayla, surely the project would be perfect.”

  “Thanks,” Liz said, smiling, but she also felt guilty about lying to them. Dana and Sarah were great. The two of them have truly helped her adjust to her work and to the company for the past few months.

  Liz was however still grateful for the temporary reprieve she got with her alibi. They didn’t ask her anything else for the rest of their meal.

  As they walked out of the restaurant with fifteen minutes left of their lunch break, Liz couldn’t resist checking her phone. She was astounded to find several messages from Ben.

  “Maybe? Perhaps I should remind you of what you could be missing…”

  “No response. Is this your way of teasing me?”

  “Liz?”

  There was even a missed call from him.

  Liz grinned as she quickly replied.

  “Sorry for the late response. I do have a life you know.” She added a wink at the end.

  His response came shortly. She wondered if he has been waiting for her reply.

  “Are you back in the office?”

  “We’re on our way back. Two blocks away,” she replied.

  He answered right away. “Staircase between second and third floor. I’ll be waiting.”

  Liz’s heart started hammering nervously when she read the message. Was he mad?

  As they neared the office though, Liz’s mindset shifted. She was getting pissed that he was ordering her around. So yes, he was one of her bosses at work, but he can’t apply the same superiority with her outside the office.

  As she, Dana and Sarah entered the building, they all greeted Gary – Liz had to act naturally and cheerfully. But as soon as they reached the elevator lobby, Liz quickly said, “I’ll take the stairs. I think I ate too much for lunch.”

  She waved at the two girls as Dana called out teasingly, “No wonder you’re so ski
nny!”

  At the stairwell, Liz took her time going up, with each step purposeful. She was already beyond annoyed at that point. She didn’t hear Ben yet. If he had her waiting, he was definitely going to get an earful from her.

  Liz had reached the second floor and as she turned to head up to the third floor, she found him at the landing, with his arms crossed, leaning at the wall, looking down at her. He had a blank expression, so Liz didn’t know what he wanted.

  Liz’s heart skipped a beat but she ignored her quickening pulse as she went up the steps, at a quicker pace.

  “Fine, so you’re my boss,” she started muttering in a controlled voice, looking at him as she came closer. “But I won’t let you command me to do things for you that are not related to work.”

  She has reached the landing and took the few steps to be in front of him.

  He hasn’t budged.

  “You can’t flirt with me when I’m with Dana and Sarah – or anyone else from the office for that matter,” she bit out. She was trying to ignore the fact that he was looking so gorgeous right then and Liz was starting to feel the air get sucked out of the space. “I’m already risking a lot doing this with you –“

  She wasn’t able to say anything more because Ben suddenly gripped her arm with one hand and cupped her cheek. He closed the space between them before capturing her lips in a mind-blowing kiss.

  Liz placed her hands on his chest supposedly to stop him out of her pride, but her senses instructed her otherwise. She ended up clutching at his shirt as Ben started playing with her tongue and nipping at her lower lip.

  Anyone can just enter the stairwell and see them – but Liz has never seen anyone else take the stairs aside from Ben. But still, what they were doing was so crazy and dangerous.

  And extremely exciting.

  It was when Ben shifted his hand to her ass when Liz broke the kiss.

  She took a few deep breaths before speaking. “You can’t kiss me to get away from any argument.”

  “Well you can’t tease me with your cute messages then suddenly stop. It’s not fair to me when I’ve been thinking about you all morning,” he said huskily, smiling wickedly. “So I think we’re even.”