After that, it was easy to move among the groups and talk to different people. My confidence didn’t waver and for the most part, I sounded like one of them, which was nice.
I spent over an hour meeting and talking to strangers and while it was a little weird, I found the experience pleasant and educational, except for those several occasions when I met some people who were more interested in me than the reason why we were there.
“How did it go?” Colin asked when we took our seats for dinner.
“Better than I expected,” I said.
“I’m glad to hear that.”
The night’s entertainment was introduced when dinner was served and over the hour and half long duration of a three-course meal, light conversation resonated over the table.
People continued to express interest in me, which I figured was because they’d somehow learned I worked closest to Mrs. Gallagher. While it was a privilege, I found it a little exhausting because my goal in communicating seemed to conflict theirs.
I kept searching the room for Mrs. Gallagher but I never saw her. My invitation had been delivered via mail as everyone else, I assumed. One would think I’d know if she’d be in attendance but I was only aware of her time schedule during working hours. After that, I never knew what she did, where she went or who she met up with.
I turned my attention to the stage while I ate and watched one of the night’s talents; an amusing stage show. I was entertained and enjoyed the shows which followed. The food was delicious and as the night went on, I found that with enough confidence, I could initiate a conversation with anyone in the room.
After dinner and entertainment, a man in his mid seventies was introduced to give the keynote speech and from what Colin had told me earlier, I figured he was one of the partners in Price Healthcare.
I made a mental note to research the background of the company from how it had started to where it now was, because all indication showed Mrs. Gallagher wanted me to learn about the business. Why else would she add Healthcare to my curricula? And why would I be invited to that particular gala dinner?
When the speech was over, people got back to their feet again and continued mingling. It became odd for me because I had people coming up to me instead of me going to them. They didn’t ask any direct questions about Mrs. Gallagher. Most of them just wanted to know how she was like in person.
A few months ago, I’d been an outsider, a dreamer who hoped to one day join that prestigious part of the world and now, I was at the centre of it. Mrs. Gallagher was an intrigue, a mystery to them just as she had been to me before I’d gotten to know her.
I felt lucky and special to have gotten as close to her as I had, considering all these people had more knowledge and experience in their field of expertise than I’d had in my job when I’d started out.
Around eleven thirty, when I was a little tired of the attention, Colin came and rescued me from one of the groups.
“Thank you, I needed a break,” I said when he managed to pull me away.
“Dance with me, it’ll keep people away from you for a while,” he said.
“I don’t dance,” I said.
“You’re gonna have to,” he said, motioning to the people watching us.
There were others dancing already so it wasn’t a big deal, but I still didn’t want to embarrass myself. “Seriously, I can’t dance,” I said.
“I’ll lead,” he said, carefully moving his arms around me to hold me in place. Shortly after, I was being swayed to the music and somehow, I was dancing.
“You’re popular tonight,” he said when I got the hang of the dancing moves.
“It’s not me, it’s the position,” I said dryly.
“I doubt that. Any guy in this place tonight would use the most apparent reason or excuse to get a chance to talk to you,” he said.
I looked at him inquisitively.
“You’re hot,” he stated.
I broke into laughter.
“Do you know how many guys wish they were in my shoes right now?” he asked.
“I don’t want to know,” I said, suddenly uncomfortable.
“It’s okay, they’re not animals. They just want your attention. It’s harmless.”
I had never been a popular girl but knowing people were watching me made me a little bit uneasy but somehow empowered. I imagined it being a thousand times more magnified for Mrs. Gallagher and recalled how she carried herself like a lady. Would I ever reach such status?
“You know, Price Healthcare tends to book rooms for some of the employees who get too intoxicated to drive and some people just use them for the fun of it...” he said.
I looked at him. “Are you inviting me to go up to one of the rooms with you?”
He shrugged his shoulders, asking, “Is it such a foreign idea?”
I couldn’t help laughing. “Flattered as I am, I’ll have to say no.”
“It was worth a shot,” he said, laughing along with me.
He was a nice guy and we got along well, so I wasn’t offended by what he said. Whether he was playing or not, he still managed to conduct himself like a gentleman and I liked that about him.
While we were dancing, I thought about everything that had taken place that night and my mind somehow drifted back to my last conversation with Rex. I thought about what he’d said regarding my relationship with Mrs. Gallagher and I pictured the image all the people I’d met that night had of me.
Be headstrong Livvy, and risk it all otherwise you’re always going to be stuck in this stasis wondering if things will ever change. Rex’s words resonated in my mind.
The gala dinner was my debut into the corporate world. I’d been strong and confident and people were going to remember me for being more than just Mrs. Gallagher’s personal assistant.
Did that mean I was strong or confident enough to face her and promote this change Rex had talked about? Be headstrong Livvy, and risk it all. Could I? What if I risked it all just to lose it?
I lightly shook away the thoughts. I was already losing by letting my mind go in that direction.
“Are you okay?” Colin asked.
I stopped the dance and looked at him. “I’m a little tired, I think I’m just gonna go home,” I said as I let go of him.
“You want me to drop you off?” he asked.
I quickly shook my head. “No, I’m fine. Thanks though, for everything.”
He nodded and I headed for the exit as I reached for my phone and called James to come pick me up. It was almost midnight, so the event was almost over. I was certain a lot of people were going to stay behind and continue having fun since it was Saturday night.
I didn’t know what I was doing, but I was determined to make an attempt to follow Rex’s advice. Risk it all. I wasn’t sure I had the nerve, but with my new found confidence, I could do just about anything.
By the time James picked me up, I was a nervous wreck. What I was planning to do was stupid.
“Did you enjoy yourself?” James asked as he drove.
“Yeah, a lot actually,” I said.
He was still the easiest person who worked for Mrs. Gallagher I could talk to. “James, would you happen to know where Mrs. Gallagher is tonight?” I asked.
I’d not seen her at the gala, so she was probably at home with her husband and kids, but then again with the large number of attendees, it was possible she might have been present.
“Uhm, yeah, she has a penthouse in the city. Sometimes when she’s had a long busy day she spends the night there,” he said.
“Do you think you could take me there? There is something I need to discuss with her.” I was finally taking the initiative, but I had no idea where it would lead me.
“Sure,” he said.
Are you going to fire me? I recalled my dialogue with her. If circumstances force me to, yes. Oh, God. What if this was one of those circumstances that would force her to fire me?
Little by little, I continued to lose my nerve. Could I real
ly risk losing my job over an illusion of confidence and Rex’s few words of encouragement? “James?” I gave in.
“We’re almost there, don’t worry,” he said.
My hands shook as my heart pounded in my chest. God, I was going to have a heart attack and I wasn’t even there yet. What would happen when I got the chance to stand right in front of her?
Be headstrong Livvy. Rex’s words reminded me of those few occasions where I’d made an attempt to be headstrong. The memories of my intimate encounters with Mrs. Gallagher replayed themselves in my head. They were impassioned and powerful and had all started with one bold move.
“We’re here, Olivia,” James said.
The building was one of those old apartment buildings in the city that retained a classical and affluent look. I knew for a fact that such a building didn’t just house anyone so I had no idea how I’d be allowed in. This was a stupid impulsive thing for me to do.
“They know me here because I drop off Mrs. Gallagher all the time so if you want, I could take you in, talk to the front desk for you,” James said.
“Yeah, that—that’d be great.” Did I just stammer?
James got out of the car and came and opened the door for me. I followed him past the security guard outside the door to the front desk. The closer I got the more scared I grew and the more stupid I continued to believe I was.
The nametag on the uniformed guy we found at the front desk read Samuel Wilkins. James took the lead and talked to him.
“I just have to make a call to Mrs. Gallagher, please give me a second,” Samuel said.
At that very moment, I wanted the earth to open up and swallow me.
“What’d you say your name was?” he asked.
I wanted to dismiss the whole thing, but James stated both my names before I could talk.
“Olivia Williams,” he said.
My nervousness escalated a hundred thousand times higher. I’d have looked like an idiot at that point if I had run.
Samuel spoke into the phone, giving my name.
At that point, all possible scenarios started running through my head. What if Mrs. Gallagher was there with her husband? What if she was there with someone else?
Panic struck me into paralysis as the pause on Samuel Wilkins’ end stretched out to eternity. He finally hang up, but I wasn’t sure if his answer was positive or negative until he returned his attention to me and handed me a key to Mrs. Gallagher’s penthouse.
“Call me when you need me,” James said and walked out before I recovered from my paralysis to thank him.
“The elevator is right over there,” Samuel said.
It took me a few seconds to recover before I absorbed his words and followed the direction he had pointed out. I could hear my heart pounding loudly in my chest and my pulse racing. I could feel every physical form of motion taking place within my body and I wanted to turn and run, but I’d come this far. I couldn’t cower away now.
I got into the elevator and inserted the key. I forced myself to stop thinking and took a deep breath as I counted the floors in a therapeutic manner to calm myself. The elevator finally stopped on the twentieth floor and dinged open and my eyes grew wide in utter shock.
Chapter Thirty-Three
A dimmed corridor welcomed me to the penthouse, but what held my attention was the feminine silhouette standing at the end of the hallway. I took a deep breath, retrieved the key and stepped out of the elevator.
“What are you doing here, Olivia?” Mrs. Gallagher’s voice was low and sultry, but I doubted that was intentional.
I was overwhelmed, but every part of me that was experiencing fear or doubt immediately and completely shut down because I desperately wanted, no. Needed, this moment.
“I thought you’d be at the gala dinner tonight,” I said, taking a step forward.
She took her time to answer, and when she did, she said, “I was.”
“I didn’t see you,” I said.
I could imagine how exquisite she’d looked. God, even her silhouette was desirable.
“I saw you…” she said in that low voice.
“You did?”
The ballroom had been full of people, how could she have possibly seen me when I hadn’t seen her?
“You were…” She trailed off.
I could barely make out her face in the dark lighting.
“…are exceptionally lovely,” she said, finishing her statement.
I was flattered she thought so, but I didn’t care much for how I had looked at the gala dinner. At that moment, my bravery had driven me so far, there was little I was thinking about except seeing her face.
I took slow steps forward and she disappeared into the room directly facing the short hallway and I followed after her, walking into a large furnished living room which was also dimly lit. I looked around and when my gaze finally settled on her being, my jaw literally dropped.
The dark lighting was working in her favor as she wore a sensual lavender mid-thigh satin robe and a matching gown underneath. I felt like I’d walked right into one of my fantasies.
“You shouldn’t be here,” she said softly.
“I know,” I agreed with her. Hadn’t I argued with myself all the way there?
“Why did you come?” she asked.
I lustfully gazed at her alluring image in the robe and gown and my fingers twitched in longing. God, I wanted to touch her. “I wanted to see you,” I said.
She silently watched me for a while before she asked, “Why?”
I slowly made my way over to her and stopped. I couldn’t believe how much restraint I was exercising at that moment. “To be honest…” I said, meeting her dark blue gaze and daring myself to be brave enough to change the course of our relationship. “I hate going a long period of time without seeing you and I don’t know how long I can keep fighting for self-restraint when I’m around you.”
She slowly stretched out her hand and gently ran her fingers over my cheek. Her touch was soft, silken and instantly arousing. Her thumb rested on the corner of my lips, then lowered diagonally to my jaw.
It felt like she’d put a spell on me because all sensations of arousal came awake and all I wanted to do was touch her, feel her skin against mine and fully fill my senses with her scent.
She dropped her hand and for a second I was terribly afraid she’d turn me away, but instead, she closed the distance between us and kissed me, slowly, gently but before I could respond, she pulled away.
I opened my eyes and met hers. I still couldn’t read her, which was frustrating. I wanted to know what she was thinking but before I could wonder for long, she closed her hand over mine and my body’s movement instantly synchronized with hers.
Like an enchanted puppet, I followed her out of the living room, down the hallway to another room. When she turned on the lights, the spell broke and my heart restarted, but I was no longer afraid.
She came and stood close to me. Her image was so irresistible I wanted to reach for her and crush her lips with mine, but I had a feeling she was enjoying watching how tortured I was by the effect of being so close to her, and being unable to do anything about it.
When she finally closed the distance, it felt like I’d been frozen in time and my heart had just started beating again. She leaned in and lightly kissed my lips. When I went to respond, she pulled away again.
She was teasing me and it was making me want to implode because I was fighting to maintain my self-control. I wanted to wrap my arms around her and hold her closer. I wanted to feel the warmth of her body against mine.
She lightly caressed my cheek with her fingers and lowered her hand to my waist. She leaned forward and I closed my eyes as she planted a kiss on my neck. I released an involuntary sigh and drew in a ragged breath as intense arousal rampaged through my body.
When her lips met mine again, I could barely contain myself. I was starving and I desperately needed to feed. I kissed her with a savage passion and she responded, but only bri
efly.
“Easy,” she whispered against my lips and I opened my eyes and slightly pulled back to find her smiling at me.
“I don’t know if I have the strength to control myself,” I confessed.
When she took a step away from me, I was afraid I scared her off, but she moved behind me and I felt her hands move along the curve of my waist. I didn’t know what she wanted to do but I was holding my breath, waiting in anticipation.
She slowly trailed her hands up to my ribs and when her warm hands made contact with my skin, I drew in a sharp breath. She moved my hair over my shoulder and planted a kiss on the nape of my neck.
I bit into the fleshy part of my lower lip and my toes curled at the arousing effect. She seemed determined to drive me insane. Her hands rested on the back of my dress and a second later, she lowered the zipper.
The dress slowly fell to my waist and I closed my eyes and took a deep breath when her hands caressed my skin over the black strapless bra then moved up to my neck and unhooked the necklace. She came back to face me, closed her hand over mine and led me towards the bed.
When we stopped, she pulled me closer and placed one arm around my waist as the other one softly skimmed over my flat stomach in an upward motion towards my ribs. She was so intricately sensual, that I was willing to let her do anything she pleased to me.
Her gaze was dark and blazing with desire when she recaptured my lips, and her mouth was firm but slow. I responded in a similar manner, taming the monster within me fighting to be unleashed as I finally wrapped my arms around her slender waist.
She lowered my dress from my waist and it fell to the floor as we got on the bed. I kicked off my shoes and she gently climbed on top of me. It all felt so magical and surreal I could have sworn I was in a dream, except it was truly happening.
I ran my fingers through her hair and a strong sense of freedom washed over me because she was finally letting me touch her and express myself in the way I’d been dying to, since the very first day we’d met.
I eased her robe off her shoulders and she broke the kiss and pulled back to look at me as she dropped the robe on the side of the bed. I was in her bed in nothing but a bra and panties and she was looking at me the same way I’d always looked at her whenever we got too close.
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