by Kari Shuey
“Um, I’m pretty sure the phantom just kidnaps her and forces her to marry him.”
He wrapped his arm around her waist, the first intimate contact he’d had with her. “I’m pretty sure she succumbs to his charm. They all do.”
Mr. Saxe’s arm was warm. His whole body was firm and strong, and Abby realized she didn’t mind being close to him. They found their seats, and Abby thought about all the crazy things she’d accepted and gone along with over the past month. It wasn’t as if she didn’t do her due diligence. She got her background check. She even triple checked it. Mr. Perkins contacted all the references and Mr. Saxe only had glowing reviews – from people he worked for to people who worked for him. But tonight was the tipping point. The scales that had once been balanced between logic and fantasy were crashing down as the romantic man sitting next to her was making her believe in fairy tales. Only… every fairytale had an evil villain. Who was the villain in this story, she wondered? Was he the one sitting next to her in the dark?
Chapter 12
As the show ended, Abby attempted to fight off her exhaustion. Unable to predict what would be the next step in this elaborate date, she waited to be pulled in whatever direction Mr. Saxe had planned. Would they be going to another place? Would he be so brazen to offer her to stay in a hotel? This thought caused her stomach to churn. She considered herself old fashioned and would prefer to avoid an awkward conversation about sleeping arrangements. Maybe they would hop on the plane and sleep it off there. At this point she didn’t have a preference except to get out of her dress and into something more comfortable. Yet, she didn’t pack a change of clothes… she didn’t know they were going to be gone so long. He had promised her they would be returning late… so maybe it was the plane they would be going to.
They exited the theatre to a car waiting for them out front. The driver asked them where they wanted to go now, and Mr. Saxe turned to her. “We can go back to the airport and fly home, or you can get some rest at a hotel.”
Her predictions had been right on the money. She didn’t know what to choose. On the one hand she would love to sleep in her own bed, but that meant another nearly 5-hour plane ride. On the other hand, getting some shut-eye would be nice and they could leave bright and early the next morning. It didn’t sound like a proposition, rather an offer for preference and comfort. “I don’t mind one way or the other. I would just like to get into something more comfortable. Are there any Walmart stores around? I could grab a t-shirt and some pants?”
Mr. Saxe chuckled. “I’m sure we can find you something more comfortable to wear.” He turned to the driver and told him an address of a hotel he must have frequented often. They arrived, Abby too tired to even figure out what one he’d chosen. Once inside, Mr. Saxe got them a suite and they went up the elevator to a higher floor. Riding the elevator felt like the longest part of her evening. Abby was ready to be off her feet and in a hot bath… though in the present company she didn’t know if she would feel comfortable enough with that. Staying in his house with her own sleeping quarters had taken a little bit of getting used to, but now as they made their way to the hotel room Abby’s slight nervousness was developing into full-blown anxiety. Not only was she concerned about sleeping arrangements, the conversation he’d had on the phone before they left still lingered in her mind.
It was true she had enjoyed their date despite it being over the top. Mr. Saxe had been a complete gentleman and was a generous companion. But even the most amazing people can have an insidious side they only allow out of the box on occasion.
They walked down a long hallway and Mr. Saxe used a key card to open the door. He waved her in and came in behind her, allowing the door to shut quietly.
“This isn’t the usual room I stay in, but it will do.”
Abby scoffed. “Usual room? You rich people are all ridiculous.” The suite had a king bed, a separate bedroom with a queen, a full kitchen, and a sitting room. The hotels she’d stayed in were all one room, a microwave, a fridge, and a small bathtub. She wandered through the suite and made her way into the master bathroom. Sure enough, there was an enormous soaker tub, and large walk-in shower, and a dual vanity. She came out of the master bedroom to see Mr. Saxe taking off his suit coat and throwing it over the back of a chair. He loosened his tie and took off his shoes, then sat down on the couch. Standing somewhat awkwardly, Abby couldn’t decide what to do. Did she find a robe to change into and join him? Or maybe she locked herself in the master and told him ‘thank you, see you in the morning’.
He put his feet up and gazed at her expectantly, as if asking her to make up her mind. She didn’t like that he could read her so well. It wasn’t fair he had that ability… it was the kind of power, that if put in the wrong hands, could have dire consequences.
Putting her hands on her hips, she remained standing in the doorway to the master. “I thought you said we would find something more comfortable for me to wear.”
As if summoned by the mere mention, there was a knock on the door. Abby cocked her head to the side. “Are you expecting anyone?”
Mr. Saxe motioned to the door with an open hand, saying nothing. Curious, Abby went to the door and opened it. Surprised to find their driver holding out a clothing bag, Abby thanked him and took it. With a quick nod in Mr. Saxe’s direction, he left. Opening the bag, Abby discovered a pair of soft pajama pants and a matching t-shirt. In the bottom, there was another set of men’s pajamas.
Abby looked up at Mr. Saxe. “How do you know my size?” She asked suspiciously.
“I seem to recall a certain dress was charged to the card I gave you for expenses. That card specifically gives me details for what is purchased. Seeing as I already technically purchased your dress for the evening, I figured it wouldn’t do much harm adding some sleepwear.”
Abby’s skin flushed with embarrassment. Realizing she never officially asked him if it was okay to put the dress on the card, she instantly regretted buying it in the first place. “I’m so sorry. Mr. – Gavin.” She choked out the last word. “It won’t happen again. I-”
Mr. Saxe waved his hand, brushing off her apology. “Money well spent. You looked absolutely stunning tonight. I’m happy I could oblige.”
Relief flooded Abby’s insides, followed by another wave of guilt. He had been so generous to her. Not only as her boss, but on this date as well. If she had to put all the characteristics she looked for in a guy, he would have them. All of them. And she hadn’t done anything to earn this kind of adoration.
She pulled her sleepwear out of the bag and handed it over to Mr. Saxe. “Thank you.” She whispered.
***
Gavin was delighted with how the evening had played out. Everything went off perfectly right up to the point when she said she’d stay the night in New York. That gave him a little extra time with her when she could otherwise be out of reach. He’d impressed her with the dinner, surprised her with a wonderful theatrical performance, and now maybe he could win her over with his charm. There was a little bit of time before they’d normally be heading off to bed.
He watched her leave the room to change and tried to come up with some way he could get through to her that this thing between them was bigger than she was willing to accept. The universe had thrown them together for a reason and he wanted to see where it would lead. Even if it meant they would only be in each other’s lives for a short time, he desperately needed to know why she was affecting him this way.
She came out of the room, her dress thrown over her arm and comfortably clothed. She motioned to the empty room, offering it to him so he could change as well. Gavin stood and with his pajamas in hand walked past her. She seemed unsure of her position and darted out of his way. Gavin changed quickly and returned to the entertaining space.
Abby stood by the window that allowed a cityscape view. When he entered, she turned towards him. “So…” she blurted, when he returned to his seat. “What do we do now? Do I thank you for the date? Or is there something el
se you had in mind?” Her arms were folded and he could tell she was anxious or nervous about the implications for the remainder of their trip.
“Oh, I have so many plans it would make your head spin. But I think I have worn you out enough for one night. I figured I’d let you choose the way the rest of your evening would go.”
Abby turned back to the window. Her back was to him and she remained quiet. Maybe this evening hadn’t been as great as he had thought. Was she upset with him? Did she think he overdid it? What was he thinking? Of course he overdid it. This kind of woman couldn’t be won over with expensive dates and over-the-top gestures. She was down to earth and probably felt out of place.
He stood up and walked over to her. Standing beside her, he looked out over the city as well. “This was a bit much, wasn’t it.” It was a statement. “You know, before I became this big businessman, I enjoyed the simpler things. I would go camping, I’d enjoy a can of SpaghettiOs… I even did my own laundry.” He chuckled with embarrassment.
“Gasp.” Abby’s single word was laced with sarcasm.
“I wanted to impress you. I think I figured if I could get you intrigued enough, I wouldn’t have to convince you to go on another date with me. Maybe you would be the one to ask me out.”
She faced him. “Mr….Gavin, you didn’t need to impress me. I told you as much when I accepted your invitation for this date. There was something fascinating about you that had me drawn to you as well. But it’s that exact reason I feel like this is not a good idea. I worry anything we do to get to know each other beyond a working relationship will be doomed. The vast majority of relationships between people from different demographics fail. Whether you overdid the date, or we went on a simple walk… either way the outcome would be the same. I just don’t think it’s wise to pretend-”
Gavin couldn’t help himself. She was attempting to let him down easy and she had planned to do so from the very beginning. He felt powerless to do something, anything to change her mind. He made a rash decision fueled by desperation. Gavin reached his fingers around the back of her neck and leaned in to kiss her. His lips hovered over hers for only an instant, his eyes questioning hers as if for permission. Gavin gently kissed her, exploring the possibilities they had together. It was innocent and sweet, and yet it sparked an intensity that was hard to ignore. A surging of warmth and desire flooded his being and he allowed himself to forget about everything he was dealing with at home. There was only the here and now. As he felt her begin to cling to him, her body quivering in his arms, Gavin knew he needed to release her.
***
That kiss. That kiss had been eye-opening. Once relinquished, Abby took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She felt lightheaded. And she wanted more. Not one instance in her life could she compare to this one. No one had ever held her nor kissed her like that. It was like both their lives had depended on one another and they achieved symbiosis. And now as she pulled away and created a small amount of distance between them, she was an empty shell of what she used to be.
“Gavin…” she whispered as she traced her lips with her fingertips. “Why did you do that?”
Abby watched Gavin’s euphoric expression falter momentarily, but then it returned as his resolve strengthened. He closed the distance between them and brushed the back of his fingers against her cheek. Gavin’s touch was warm and she leaned into it. “I just demonstrated to you that there is something here, and we would be fools not to see how this plays out. Look, I can’t promise you that it’ll be smooth sailing, but Abby… I’ve never met anyone like you. There’s something about you that makes me question all the life choices I have made up until this point. Please tell me you will give us a chance.”
“I don’t know, Gavin…” Abby rubbed her arms up and down, feeling chilled. She yearned to be kissed by him – to feel whole again. But that was the pheromones talking. She needed to be realistic. This couldn’t work between them… could it?
“You give me the chance to practice my charm, and you won’t regret it.”
Abby reminded herself that was the exact argument Lori always gave. The rich and powerful ‘practice their charm’ and get whatever they want… but when they were done having their fun, where did that leave their abandoned plaything? She looked up at Gavin. His crooked smile she had only caught glimpses of over the past month or so was one of endearing things she liked about him. She had to admit that even though a few things made her nervous, he had shown that he was someone she could trust. Maybe that silly pact with Lori was just that – silly. Maybe Abby needed to open herself up to the possibility of love. You can’t experience love without a little risk, after all. “I can’t believe I’m saying this… but fine. We do this on a trial basis. But we need to lay a few ground rules. During working hours, there’s absolutely no relationship stuff. We need to keep business and pleasure separate. And I think we need to schedule the ‘date’ stuff, so we don’t blur those lines. And if this doesn’t work out, then the ground rules can still apply.”
“Deal.” Gavin smiled at her, obviously elated.
Abby backed away from Gavin, a small grin on her face as well. “Well, then… I guess I will see you in the morning. I think I have had quite enough for tonight.” She headed toward the secondary room, but Gavin grabbed her forearm.
“Abby, wait.”
Abby looked down at her arm and back at Gavin. “Yeah?”
Gavin pulled her back toward him. He placed a kiss on her forehead and whispered, “Thank you for a wonderful day.”
“My pleasure.” She breathed.
He motioned for her to take the master suite and she quietly retreated to the room. But about 20 minutes later, she heard talking. Abby quietly wandered to the door and lightly pressed her ear to it. She couldn’t hear the words clearly, so with her hand on the knob, Abby gently turned it and pulled the door open slightly.
“… I told you earlier. I don’t care how you do it, just handle it. What am I paying you for, Williams?... I understand that… and yet here we are needing to clean up another mess. If you won’t fix this, I’ll find someone else…”
Gavin’s conversation ended, and he went silent. Abby wondered if he’d noticed she was eavesdropping on his conversation again. She really needed to stop doing that… and yet… if he was hiding things from her now, could she ever fully trust him?
Chapter 13
As Gavin lay in bed looking at the ceiling, he allowed himself to fantasize about his future for the first time in a long while. A dark thought crept into his consciousness. How was he going to keep his secret from Abby? Would it be worth juggling the two? Between dealing with the mess of the murder and keeping his life private from prying eyes and ears, he had his hands full. He didn’t like the idea of keeping things from her so early into the relationship, but he couldn’t see any way around it for the time being.
Gavin ran scenario after scenario through his head until the sunlight filtered through the windows in his room. He would need to find some way to keep her in the dark until he knew for certain where they stood. It could be years before he’d let her into that part of his life.
He rolled out of bed, head aching, and body fatigued. But his heart was light, and his future promising. Opting to stay in the loungewear he’d had delivered last night, Gavin quietly exited his room. Not wanting to wake Abby if she still needed her rest, he carefully rummaged through the drawers for the room service pamphlet. One quick phone call, and food would be delivered.
The food arrived faster than expected. Gavin set the table and then stood by Abby’s door to listen. There wasn’t any sound coming from her room, she was likely still asleep as it was quite early in the morning. He leaned against the door, his arms folded, speculating whether he should open the door to wake her or simply knock. This relationship between them was still so fresh it was hard to interpret the right vs wrong way to approach things.
Gavin turned and tapped on the door. “Abby? I ordered breakfast. We should probably start getting
ready for the plane ride home.” There wasn’t any indication she had heard him. “Abby?” Gavin opened the door and poked his head inside. Her bed was empty, and she was nowhere to be found. Concern encompassed him, as he wandered into her room.
At that moment, Abby walked out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel. She gave a small shriek and attempted to pull the towel more securely around her. “Gavin! I know you might be new to this whole starting a relationship thing… but usually a gentleman would have knocked!”
“I… sorry, I…. I did knock!” he stammered. Trying to show he respected her, he backed out of the room and glanced away. This was the first time she’d made him flush with embarrassment. It was a familiar sensation, but one he’d not experienced since he was in college. Without provocation, a chuckle erupted from his throat. The door shut, he called through it to let her know there was some breakfast ready for her and they would be leaving for the airport in approximately 45 minutes if not sooner. He recommended she wear her more comfortable clothes as well.
Abby came out of her room in her pajamas, her hair pulled up into a messy wet knot. Even fresh out of the shower she looked breath-taking. The warm water had pinked up her skin and her cheeks had a healthy rosy glow. When she’d glance in his direction, she would give him one of two looks. The first was a cocked head with curious eyes. He loved this one because she was genuinely unsure of what he was thinking. The other complimented her red hair and fiery personality. She would occasionally roll her eyes and follow that motion with an exasperated sigh. She didn’t like it when he watched her so intently.
They ate quietly. He didn’t have anything to add to last night. Rather, he wanted to let it ruminate so when they arrived back home and the ‘magic’ was gone, they’d be able to make sense of where they stood. But Gavin didn’t know what Abby was thinking. She could be avoiding the whole situation until she could wrap her head around it. Somehow, she seemed like the kind of person who needed to analyze everything before accepting it.