The Golden Collection
Page 45
“Hey” Riley smiled. “You look happy.” He kissed my cheek and I sat down. “Work was good, huh?” He took his own seat opposite me.
“I am” I sang, “Maxwell came to see him and I have Bailey this weekend.” I clapped my hands in delight. I couldn't wait to spend a whole weekend with my son. It did bother me that Maxwell would probably spending time with that other woman. At the end of the day, I guess it was no longer my business. We were both single and we both had to move on with our lives.
He reached over and grabbed my hand. “That's great, Georgina. I can not wait to meet him!”
His words took me off guard and I removed my hand from his grip. My smile slowly made for the first time in hours. “I’m sorry, Riley. It's just I told Maxwell I would stay in a hotel. I just don't want to give him any reason to kick off again.”
“Oh” he looked embarrassed. “That's fine.”
Frustration hit me, I was doing it again. I was allowing Maxwell to control my life and I hadn't even realized. Why couldn't I share the weekend with someone? We all knew the exact reason WHY Maxwell was actually going to New York and it didn't include sight seeing.
My Marriage was over and I had to get to grips with it. “You know what?” Riley looked up from his menu. “We will stay with you. If you'll have us?”
His face lit up. “Of course” his eyes quickly darken and his lips twitched dangerously. “I want much more of you...”
I was stunned, I knew exactly what he was referring too and I wanted more of him as well. Could I do this?
“I did think about it, Riley” grabbing hold of his hand. “I don't want to rush into anything.”
He nodded. “I fully understand... I won't wait around forever, Georgina. Maxwell no longer wants you and I can make you happy.”
“I know” I smiled.
***
Maxwell
It was the weekend.
I arrived at that pricks apartment dead on 8am with Bailey. Georgina had assured me she was staying in a hotel. I thought of my son being around another man made me very angry. It was bad enough trying to explain where Mummy was, let alone him witnessing another man kissing her.
I knocked on the apartment door and within a few seconds she opened. Her hair was wet and she smelt fresh from a shower. She looked even more desirable in sweats. She instantly scooped down and grabbed Bailey to hug him. Her face was lit up as if she had won the ultimate prize. She slowly stood up and looked at me.
“You’re definitely staying in a hotel?” I asked, holding out Bailey's overnight bag.
“Yes.” She snatched the bag out of my grip. “I’ve already told you that a million times.”
“Good” I placed a kiss on Bailey's head. “Jay will be collecting Bailey tomorrow at six-thirty. I'll call to make sure your okay.”
She pulled Bailey next to her and glared at me. “He is my son, Maxwell. I think I know how to look after him!”
“Good!” I walked away and heard the door click shut behind me. I had the urge to cry and ran out of that building and into the car.
“Are you okay, Mr Thomas?” Jay asked no doubt noticing the sad expression on my face. I just nodded, I was unable to talk. I pulled out my phone and began to mess around with it. Anything to distract me from what was going on. I ended up in the photo album, hundreds and hundreds of pictures of Georgina.
This was not a good distraction; I started to stroll through them, some of them she was posing and others she is playing with Bailey. My favourite ones were taken when she had no idea. Her natural beauty just shown through and she lit up the screen.
I placed the phone down and stared out the window. I never thought things were end up this way. I had believed we would be together forever. Why didn't I listen to her warnings??? Why did always allow work to distract me from the real world... Had I finally become obsessed with making money??
My head was beginning to hurt and very moment I longed for Georgina. I guess the old saying was true... She didn't know what you have till it’s gone! Right now, I had nothing... The life I had was now over. Was this a new chapter or was this just history repeating its self??? I didn't want to turn back into that lonely stupid excuse for a man I was before Georgina!!
“Mr Thomas....” Jay interrupted my thoughts. “Did you want a cigarette before your flight??”
“Yes please...” The stress I was feeling, I doubted very a cigarette would relieve me. I just wanted HER back.
***
Georgina
I don’t know how long I stared out that window and watched Maxwell drive away. I had sent him off to spend a whole weekend with another woman.
My heart smashed, this was it now. I looked over at Bailey sitting on the sofa playing with a toy car. He was the product of my love for Maxwell and was the only thing I had left of my marriage. I could hear Maxwell’s voice in my head, saying things that woman that drove my body crazy.
He was no longer mine. He was free to do what ever he wanted. Just like me. I heard Riley’s door open and felt him come behind me. His arms wrapping around my waist and his head resting on my shoulder.
“Why you staring at the window?”
I sniffed back my tears, the anger replaced the sadness. This whole mess was down to Maxwell. Well, he could do what he liked so could I. he longer had control over me. I wasn’t his and he had proved that I meant nothing to him. He could to New York and have a dirty weekend with his whore.
I slowly turned in Riley’s arms and wrapped mine around his neck. He was a wonderful man and he wanted me. He had gone to so many lengths to prove he cared and I deserved to be happy. I slowly looked up and met his grey eyes.
“Tonight” I whispered. “I want you tonight.”
***
Maxwell
I didn’t want to be here, sitting in a meeting room discussing the final details of the deal. It didn't seem to matter now, like this deal was going to make me feel any better.
My attention turned to the window and I stared out at the skyline of New York. My mind instantly drifted off to Georgina and Bailey. I hope she was keeping her promise. The thought of her sharing Bailey with another man made me feel sick.
“Everything okay, Maxwell” said a voice, bringing back to earth with a thud. My eyes turned to see Stella standing before me. That was all I needed, the reminder of what destroyed my marriage.
A quick fuck in a toilet had wrecked my life. She pulled out the seat next to me and sat down. It was then I realized the room was empty, great this was getting fucking better.
She seductively crossed her legs, exposing her thigh. She pushed her breasts and licked her lips. I rolled my eyes; I know it was my entire fault. I had had a moment of weakness, although all the alcohol I consumed that night didn’t help.
What was I even doing here? Returning to the scene of the crime. I didn’t actually need this deal, my business was doing well. I was greedy and selfish. Deep down I was still the same man I was five years ago.
I ran my hand through my hair and sat up. I had to tell her straight, I never wanted her. “Look Stella,”
She leaned forward giving me a good view down her top. “Yes” her voice slightly breathless. Her hand began to rub up and down my arm.
I quickly stood up. I didn’t want her touching me. I didn’t want any other woman to touch me. I belonged to my wife, who was shacked up with another man. My life was car crash and I had done it.
“I’m sorry but I should have told you last time I was here.” I placed my hands in my pockets and looked down at the floor. “I’m married. So, what happened between was a mistake and it will never be happening again.”
There was a few seconds of silence and she burst out laughing. “I know you’re married, Maxwell.” She stood up and walked over to me. “I’m not stupid, I did my research before we met...” she winked and pouted. “Again.” Her hands moved up my chest and she pressed her body up against mine. “It was like the good old days. Don’t you think?”
Some
thing inside of me snapped and I pushed her away. “Don’t touch me, Stella.” The shock filled her face, her mouth opened and closed. “I don’t want some quick fuck. I have a wife, who I love and have already hurt.” I pointed my finger at her, anger penetrated through my body. “I don’t want you.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You can’t treat me like this.”
I tilted my head back and laughed, that was the funniest thing I had heard in a while. I restored myself and my jaw clenched. “Look, darling” my voice stern. “You were nothing but a quick fuck. Get it through your thick head…”
Without warning the palm of her hand slapped me across the face. I pushed myself off my chair and pinned her against the wall.
“I’ll let you have that one” I growled. “If you ever lay a finger on me again, I’ll make sure you never walk again.” I raised an eyebrow. “Got it?”
“You’re a prick” she spat, pushing me away from her. I just shrugged, finally she had got it. She took a deep breath and marched over to the door. “The deal is off.”
“Suits me fine” I snapped back as I sat back down. I could help but give her my special knicker combustion smile. “It was nice seeing you again, Stella.”
“Fuck you, Thomas!” She yelled as she walked out of the room.
My eyes looked back out at the view of New York. I had to get my wife back, but how? I bowed my head; my life was shit without her.
***
Georgina
I felt like a nervous teenager about to lose her virginity. Why was I so nervous, it wasn’t like I hadn’t had sex before? I turned on the tap and splashed cold water on my face. Why was this bothering me so much, it was only sex? It was sex with my good friend, who I cared about deeply.
I looked up and looked at myself in the mirror. No it was more than that. It was Maxwell. I would be cheating on Maxwell if I slept with Riley. He cheated on you, the voice in my head said.
I stood up straight, he did cheat on me. He had sex with some slag in a public restroom and didn’t care about me. I stood up straight, no, from now on I wasn’t going to think about him. We were over and I deserved to move on.
I turned on my heel and walked into Riley’s room. He was already lying on the bed waiting for me. Do it! I froze on the spot, I couldn’t. In spite of everything I loved Maxwell and I couldn’t be that person again.
Riley sat up and his grey eyes locked with mine. “What’s wrong?”
I felt the tears in my eyes, my legs went weak and I fall to the floor. “I can’t” I cried. “I can’t do this.”
Within a second Riley was by my side, his arms wrapping round me and holding me close. “That’s okay, George” he softly said. “I knew it was too soon.”
“That man is still controlling my life” I sobbed. “He cheated on me and I’m the one who feels guilty.”
“Shh” his voice soothing me. “You have nothing to feel guilty about. He hurt you and you just need time to heal. I’ll wait for as long as you need.”
I lifted my head and looked him straight in the eye. “You’re too good for me.”
A little smile danced upon his lips. “Maybe. I care for Georgina and I want to look after you. I want to be everything you need. You’re my best friend and I love you.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him hard. “Thank you, Riley. Thank you for understanding me. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“You never need to find out. I’m here, always.” His lips brushed against my forehead. “And forever.”
***
Maxwell
I was exhausted from just one day in New York. I got out of the car and entered the house. I could hear the children chatting away. I wanted into the kitchen Olivia, Bailey and Maddy were all sat playing cards.
I walked over and kissed Olivia on the cheek and turned my attention on to my little man. “Was the hotel nice?”
Maddy looked up from the cards in her hands and turned pale. Fear was spread all over her face and I inhaled sharply. “Bailey says he stayed with his Mummy's friend.”
It felt like a knife had been plunged into my heart. “Did you?” Why was I even asking, of course he did. Everything went in slow motion. The bitch! She had lied to me... again! All my worst fears were playing out. She had promised and broken it, who was she?
“Maddy, I'll be back in a moment” I started backing away from the room. This couldn't wait, I had to confront her and give her a piece of my mind. I grabbed a set of car keys and dashed out of the house. She was not getting away with this. Georgina Dawson had gone too far this time.
***
Georgina
Bang!! Bang!! Bang!!
It sounded like someone was trying to break down the door. “Coming” I yelled, as I put my laptop down on the coffee table. I ran to the front door and was surprised to see Maxwell. His eyes were cold and his mouth was in a straight line. This didn't look good! His hand rested on the door frame in a fist.
“Hi” I said softly, he was in one of those unpredictable moods. I could tell just by his body language. His perfect toned body stiff and standing straight. His eyes glaring at me and his face showing no expression. Fear slowly crept through my body.
“Are you alone?” He snarled.
“No, Blake is in his room.” I folded my arms. I was not going to let him intimidate me. Why should I? Even though he as making me feels uneasy, I was not going to let him know that. I leaned against the door frame and met his gaze. “What is this about?”
He gave his sarcastic laugh and leaned closer towards me. His scent took my breath away and I stepped back a little. “Get out here and close the door.” Everything screamed danger and now I was afraid. “It’s an order, baby, not a request.” he said in a low aggressive tone, his teeth gritted together.
I did what he asked. Maxwell looked like he was about to explode. I didn't like this Maxwell. Fear was running through my body and I could feel myself shaking. What was wrong with him? Where was my Mr Golden Rule? Had I destroyed him? Was there nothing left of that man who swept me off my feet and would make sweet love to me. I shook my head, he wasn't mine anymore and we were getting a divorce.
He turned his back on me and placed his hands on the back of his head. I heard him take in a large gasp of air. He spun round, eyes narrowed and his beautiful mouth still tight.
“You lied to me, Georgina” he finally said.
Bailey. I looked down at my bare feet, I should have known. I had been stupid. Of course Bailey would have told. He was only four and had no idea what was going on.
“You have nothing to say?” he hissed slowly moving towards me. I could feel the heat coming off his body and the smell of his aftershave was enlightening my body. “Don't bite your lip” his thumb moving my lip from the clutch of my teeth. “I’m not here for a booty call!” He stopped moving and ran his hands through his red hair. I wished I could do that, I wished he was still mine.
“Did Bailey see you with him?” he spat.
“He saw me give Riley a hug” I confessed.
Maxwell began pacing like a wild animal, his fingers gripped in his hair. “So, you hugged another man in front of my son?” His voice was getting louder. “I’ll ask you this once and I want a truthful answer.” He stood suddenly, he brought his hands up in to a pray position. His eyes were crazy with a hint of sadness. A silence fell between us and my heart was beating hard.
“Have you had sex with Riley?” He cried. I looked away and felt scared. “Tell me!” He screamed.
A door clicked open. He grabbed hold of my wrist and dragged me into the stairwell. “Tell me” he begged, as he pushed me into the corner. I was trapped and he was scaring me. His hips were keeping me in place. His fingers gripped hold of my chin, I tried to free myself but the grip got tighter, and I had no choice but to look at him. My eyes began to fill with tears, I didn't want to be here and I couldn't bear to see Maxwell like this.
“Don't cry” he bellowed. “You don't deserve any pity.
Save your cries for Riley. I will ask again...Have you had sex with him?”
I shook my head slowly. I had never felt this afraid in my life. I saw his fist coming towards me. I closed my eyes and waited for the impact. Instead, I heard it smash into the wall behind my head.
His grip loosened from my chin and his hands rested on my hips. I slowly opened my eyes and watched this powerful man sink to the floor.
His head rested against my knees. “Just come home” he cried. My heart broke again. Maxwell was crying, my wonderful Mr Golden Rule was broken and I had done it.
I crouched down in front of him and grabbed hold of his hand. Wow, the electric current rushed through my body.
“I can't,” I said softly. “Don't you understand what you did?” The thought of him cheating was always at the back of my mind. The bile was creeping up my throat and eyes burning with tears. I wished there was a way we could go back and delete everything.
“I know” he sniffed, wiping away tears with the back of his hand. His blue eyes finally locked with mine---blue on blue. “I fucked some dirty whore when I should have been with you. Please, stop punishing me, Miss Dawson.”
All the wind was punched out of me. Miss Dawson? He hadn't called me that for years. It felt like we had gone back in time and all the love I had for this man rushed back. His words circled my mind 'I fucked some dirty whore'.
I shook my head. “Maxwell,” I began, trying to control my emotions. “You choose business over me every time. You cheated on my birthday and lied about it.” His face turned back into stone. “I can not trust you.”
“Georgina?” said a voice. We both looked up and Blake was standing in the doorway. “Are you okay?” His voice filled with concern.
“Fine” I replied. “I'll be in soon.” Blake nodded and disappeared. My eyes looked back at Maxwell, his hands reached out and he cupped my face.