by Sky Corgan
***
I slide my key into the door of my apartment and turn it as carefully as possible. Even though I know that Janice is probably fast asleep, I don't want to wake her. She works the evening shift as a manager at Walmart, and typically doesn't get to bed until around two in the morning.
Lucian woke me up at six o'clock; I got back to my apartment by seven, and I don't have to be at work until nine. That gives me an hour and a half to shower and get ready. And I really need a shower. Not only do I smell like sex, but it feels like I have half of Florida on the soles of my feet from walking around barefoot.
I close the door and tiptoe to my bedroom to grab some fresh clothes before heading to the bathroom. The hot water cascading over my body feels amazing, but at the same time, it feels strange—like I'm washing off Lucian's scent. It's a stupid thing to care about, especially since that entire sexual encounter was so weird for me.
When I walk out of the shower, a dark shadow in the hall startles me. I grab my chest just as my eyes begin to focus. It's Janice. Thank God. To be honest, I'm not even sure why I expected it to be someone else.
“Late night?” she asks, leaning against the wall. Even in the darkness, I can tell that she's half asleep.
“Yeah. Go back to bed.” I try to shoo her off, knowing that she needs her sleep more than I need to gush about my wild night.
“You didn't answer any of my texts.” She frowns.
“Sorry. I was busy.” I cower a little. It's not like it's my duty to tell her where I'm at every hour of the day, but usually I let her know when I'm going to be out all night, which only ever happens when I'm staying at my parents' house.
“Felt like going home for a while?” She crosses her arms over her chest as if she's cold.
“No. It's a long story.”
“Oh? Sounds interesting.” She perks up.
“It is, but not one I really have time to tell right now.” I glance towards my bedroom.
“Well, give me the short version, and we can get into the details later.”
I hate just giving her a teaser, but in truth, I'm dying to tell her what happened. “I slept with a potential new client.”
Her mouth falls open in disbelief. “You. Slept with someone. You slept with someone?”
“Yes.” I start to wiggle excitedly, but then pain shoots up my leg, causing me to still.
“Wow. He must have been a real charmer to get into your steel clad chastity belt.” She smirks at me.
“Don't say that.” I wrinkle my nose. “You know I went to Flesh, so it's not like it's on that tight.”
“You must have accidentally left it unlocked.”
“Pfft.” I roll my eyes.
“Well,” she yawns. “For as much as I want to know the details—and you will tell me the details later—I should probably get back to bed. It's going to be another long night.” Her lips dip into a frown.
“Yeah. Go sleep.” I grin to myself as I watch Janice walk back into her room, thinking about those details, the way that Lucian seduced me. It was so hard to resist him. I still can't believe I ruined it by crying.
The memory reminds me of a night of too much drinking, the kind that starts fun, but the more you drink, the more stupid stuff comes out of your mouth, and eventually it all culminates into a clusterfuck of horror. It's one of the memories you wish you could forget, even if there are good parts attached to it. I can't forget though.
I try to distract myself by getting ready for work, but Lucian is never far from my thoughts. Even though I'm not around him anymore, I still feel like I'm on that emotional roller coaster. The highs come when I think of how kind he was, taking care of my foot, when I picture his gorgeous smile, when I recall the sound of his laughter, and when I remember the way that he kissed me, so passionately. Then the lows hit me like a ton of bricks, and I internally tear myself down. How could I be so immature as to cry in front of him, as if he was hurting me.
All I can do to comfort me is to tell myself that days and weeks will make this a distant memory. In time, I'll be able to put Flesh and that horrible consultation behind me. Then I can return to my regular boring life, a life without sex and excitement—a life more my speed.
***
There's a sick feeling in my stomach as I approach Environ Design. While I had thought that telling Tyra that Lucian was undecided would be the worst of it, I just remembered I never even finished taking pictures of his house. This is going to look bad. Really bad.
After sitting in my car and weighing my excuses for several minutes, I finally decide to pretend that the pictures somehow had erased themselves. For a moment, I think about deleting all the pictures I took, but then I realize that would look even worse. At least, the few pictures I do have will be proof that I actually went to the consultation.
I inhale deeply as I climb out of my car and limp up to the building. While my foot feels better than it did yesterday, it still hurts. If I didn't feel obligated to give Tyra and Derrick the news about the consultation, I might have called in. As it is, this is news that should be delivered in person. And besides, since I botched up landing the contract, that probably means I won't have to leave the office today. If I'm not going to be doing a lot of walking, then there's no point in staying home.
I make my way to my desk and am displeased to find Derrick sitting in my chair. He smiles up at me expectantly. It looks like he doesn't have any intention of moving, but then he notices my limp and quickly stands and makes way for me to sit down. I pretend to ignore him as I take my seat and pull the camera out of my purse, setting it on top of my desk.
“You're not talking, and you're not smiling.” He places his palms flat on my desk as he leans over. “He didn't sign, did he?”
I sigh, not wanting to deal with this right now. “There's always the next client.”
“Damn it.” He punches the top of the desk lightly. “What happened?”
“You don't even want to know.” I shake my head.
“Worse than the cookies?” He quirks an eyebrow.
“Far worse.” I press the button on my computer to bring it to life.
“Want to talk about it later? Maybe over drinks,” the pissed tone deflates from his voice and melts into sympathy. I'm glad he didn't stay mad at me for long.
“I'll think about it.” I give him a weak smile.
“You know, I'm always here for you, sweet pea.” He places a hand on my shoulder.
I open up my email and find it as expected. Empty. “Looks like there's nothing for us today.” I turn to Derrick. “Did you get anything?”
“Nope. It's gonna be a long day of nothing.”
“Maybe that's for the best after the day I had yesterday.”
“Oh look.” Derrick points to my monitor.
When I turn to look at it, there's an email from Tyra. The subject is Lucian Reddick. Just seeing his name sends a chill racing through me. I don't want to open it, but I know that Derrick is waiting to see what it says.
“Open it.” He nods towards the screen impatiently.
I take a deep breath and click the subject line. The email reads as follows:
Amy,
Congratulations! Doctor Reddick called to confirm that he'd like to sign a contract. He raved about the good work you did, but told me that you were having issues with the camera. He went ahead and sent a blueprint over of his house so that we can get started right away. I've sent it to Derrick so that he can work up a model of the house.
If you haven't done so already, please contact the client to go over color schemes for the different rooms, and use the pictures you already have along with the attached blueprints to start shopping for furniture and decorations.
Landing Doctor Reddick is a big deal for all of us here at Environ Design. I'm so proud of you for being an exemplary representation of our company. Please continue to provide Doctor Reddick with excellent customer service and support so that he'll spread the word about the great job that our company does
.
Regards,
Tyra Rollins
CEO of Environ Design
My mouth falls agape. No way. No fucking way did he sign the contract.
“Looks like you didn't do as bad as you thought.” Derrick gently slugs me on the shoulder. I don't even have to look at him to know that he's beaming.
“I can't believe it.” I shake my head.
“Believe it. He may be a bit of an asshole, but we haven't seen the last of Lucian Reddick yet.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
“Let's get started.” Derrick pats me on the shoulder before returning to his desk to work on creating a digital model of Lucian's house.
I sit there staring at my computer for several minutes, reading the email that Tyra sent me over and over in disbelief. After all the embarrassing things I've done: dropping the cookies, breaking my heel, crying during sex...Lucian still accepted the contract. Maybe it means he wants to see me again. Or perhaps he just feels sorry for me. I don't know. And I honestly don't know if I'm happy or sad that I'm going to get to continue working with him.
I try to separate my personal interest in him from business. Right now, I'm the star employee of Environ Design, but I'll only stay that way if I do my job and make the client happy.
I take a deep breath and start typing out an email to Lucian, asking about any particular color choices he might like. I make the email as professional as possible, but as I type it, all I can think about are the non-professional things we've done together. He was inside of me just last night. His gorgeous muscular body on top of me. His thick cock, claiming me. His amazing blue eyes looking down at me with lust. And I cried. I got what I had secretly been hoping for, and I cried like a child, too immature to handle such an intense sexual situation.
It's over, Amy. You need to put thoughts of having him behind you. You ruined it last night. For whatever reason, he still signed the contract. You need to take advantage of this and be the best that you can be from now on. Strictly business. Professional. Not an obsessed, hormonal wreck.
I hit send on the email and plug my camera into the computer to upload the few pictures I took of Lucian's house. When they're finished uploading, I email them to Derrick. Then I get online to start shopping for furniture that I think would look good in the different rooms of Lucian's house.
A little before noon, I receive a reply from Lucian. It simply says:
Miss Underwood,
Pick what you think would look good. I trust your judgment.
Regards,
Lucian Reddick, M.D.
Reddick Plastic Surgery
I sulk a bit, wishing he had more of an opinion on the matter. It is my job to know what looks good though, and I've already made a few selections. I spend the rest of my time before lunch putting together furniture combinations for the rooms that I have pictures for. I'm so engrossed in my work that I don't even notice Derrick making his way towards my desk.
“Lunch time.” He taps the top of my monitor, drawing my attention up to his face. “Let's go out today. My treat.”
“Give me a minute. I want to send these furniture pics to Lucian to see what he thinks.”
“Lucian?” Derrick quirks an eyebrow. “Already on a first-name basis with the good doctor, huh?”
My shoulders sink, and I give him a sarcastic look, even though he's spot-on with what he's insinuating. A few clicks of my mouse later, and the photos are sent. I lock my computer, grab my purse, and follow Derrick to his car, hobbling all the way.
“This is annoying,” I growl down at my ankle.
“How did that happen anyway?” He smirks, and I know he's thinking about the cookies—about how clumsy I am.
“Boy, do I have a story for you.”
***
Derrick stares at me from across the table with his mouth agape and a sweet potato french fry pinched between his fingers. The shock on his face when I told him I knew Lucian was apparent. This is just dramatic. You'd think that Armani decided to start merchandising at Walmart or something.
“You fucked him.” The words have a bite of anger to them, causing the stupid grin I've been wearing to wane a bit.
“I didn't plan it or anything.” I shrug, averting my eyes and stabbing at my salad. It's not what I want to be eating, but the thought of seeing Lucian again has put me into diet mode. The last thing I need is to get fatter than I already am.
“Amy, he's a client.” He tosses the fry back down onto his plate and rests his forehead on his palm.
“You guys wanted me to land him as a client. Tyra said do whatever it takes.” I cock my head back in disbelief that he's actually angry with me. Half of the reason I slept with Lucian was to secure the contract. At least, that's what I keep telling myself, even though I know it isn't true. “You made that bonus sound really important.”
“I know,” he sighs before pushing his plate aside.
“Look, it's no big deal. Everything worked out. He signed the contract. We're going to be strictly professional from now on.”
“Oh really now?”
“Really.”
Derrick shakes his head and rolls his eyes. “You're so so clueless and naive, Amy.”
“What's that supposed to mean?” I do my best not to be offended, but it's kind of hard when he basically just called me stupid.
“Men don't work that way. Especially men like him.” He traces a fingertip around one of the pictures embedded in the table.
“Men like him,” I huff. “You make it sound like you actually know him.”
“I know his type,” he insists.
“Enlighten me then.” I set my fork down and glare at him.
He seems to deflate a little, and his expression softens. “I know you don't want to hear this, but guys like him...they're entitled. They take what they want. They use who they want. And then they move on to the next.
“You're not the type of girl to sleep around. I've known you for five years. Know you well enough to know that.
“Deep down inside, you expect something from him. Something you're not going to get.”
Way to ruin my good mood.
I wrinkle my nose, suddenly losing my appetite. In gentle words, he's telling me that Lucian used me for sex. While I'd like to believe otherwise, I know it's true. My payment was landing the contract, even if sex with me was sub-par, which it was.
“That's why it's not going to happen again,” I say.
“I hope it doesn't. I hope he's already lost interest. If he hasn't though, he'll break the contract if you refuse him. You've put yourself in a very bad position. You put the company in a bad position.
“If he reneges, it's going to look really bad on both of us. Like we screwed up or did something he didn't like. Worse than that, it's going to make Tyra think that he's going to go around telling all of his celebrity buddies that we're a shitty company to work with. You and I will probably never get to work with another high-profile client again.”
“So do you want me to keep sleeping with him or not?” I press my fingertips against my temple, feeling incredibly confused.
“I wish you never would have slept with him to begin with.” He shakes his head. “When I told you that I wished you would have tossed your cookies at him, I was just joking. I didn't think you'd actually do it.” A small smile crosses his lips, but it does little to make me feel better.
Stress is building inside of me. Not just the trivial stress of worrying about whether Lucian likes me or not. It feels like my entire job is on the line now. Like I made one huge mistake by giving in to my desires.
“I don't know what to do.” I exhale sharply.
Derrick slides a hand across the table and places it on top of mine. “Hey, don't worry about it. We're a team, remember? This is our project, not just yours. From now on, you don't have to go over there alone. I'll be with you.”
It's a comforting thought. He's right. There's no reason for me to go to Lucian's place by myself again. And it would be better i
f I didn't. I really don't want to face what happened between us.
“Thanks, Derrick. I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking.” I turn my hand over and squeeze his.
“It's fine. You're only human. Hell, the guy is so pretty, I probably would have jumped into bed with him too.”
“Oh man, those eyes.” My body relaxes, and I feel infinitely better knowing that I now have a game plan and that Derrick isn't mad at me anymore.
“Oh, I know. I thought they were contacts at first. I've never seen eyes that pale blue before.”
“Nope. They're real. I got a really good look at them when we were...” I blush, catching myself before I say something inappropriate.
“They're real. I get it.” He bobs his head as if the subject makes him uncomfortable, so we move on to talk about other things.
After lunch, we head back to the office. As soon as I open up my email, the first thing I see is a message from Lucian. My stomach churns as I read it, and it's not from all the roughage I ate. The email says:
Miss Underwood,
I like some of the selections you've made; however, I'd like to schedule an appointment with you this evening to go over some of them. Would 7PM be alright?
Regards,
Lucian Reddick, M.D.
Reddick Plastic Surgery
My lips instantly dip into a frown and my heart begins to speed up. Didn't he say he wanted this project to be as hands-off as possible? For as much as he wants us over at his house, it sure doesn't seem like it.
I take a deep breath and begin typing out my response.
Doctor Reddick,
Derrick and I would be happy to come to your house this evening and help you make furniture selections. We'll be there at 7PM.
Regards,