Mind the Line

by Jennifer Domenico

  Standing, I greet my sister and David, and a moment later, Eleanor and Ellis’ brother, Joseph. Eleanor cups my face as she smiles.

  “I knew you were special,” she whispers. “I’ve never seen Ellis so calm as I did when he was with you. I hoped with all my heart that you loved him because I knew he loved you.”

  I smile, nodding. “I do.”

  “I could not be happier. I am here for you, Avery. If you ever need me, you are just as much my family as my son is. Don’t ever hesitate.”

  “Thank you so much. That means a lot.”

  She smiles and takes a seat, and when I look back Ellis is smiling at me. As the interview starts, we all sit silently watching it. Ellis looks amazing, but better, he comes across as the man I know he is. Kind, genuine, honest. It’s weird to see myself, but I think I look the most beautiful I ever have whenever I look at Ellis. If people don’t get it after watching this, they never will. That is us. Unfiltered.

  Once it’s over, our family and friends gather around us commenting and congratulating us on it. We finish eating, and as I look around, with sudden clarity I see I am actually happy. Even with the challenges still ahead, I know without a doubt, I’m right where I’m supposed to be. As we say goodnight to everyone, Ellis wraps his arm around my shoulder, gazing down at me.

  “Now we wait.”

  I nod. “Yeah. We should know by morning what the reaction is.”

  “I don’t care. We did what we could. Now we go forward into our future together.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Starting now.” He swoops me off my feet causing me to laugh. “To bed with you.”

  “Works for me.”

  ◆◆◆

  I’m woken by the sound of my phone buzzing like crazy. Reaching out, I grab it from the nightstand, staring at the screen through sleep stained eyes. What the hell…?

  “What’s going on?” Ellis asks, peering over my shoulder.

  “My phone is blowing up with alerts.” Pulling myself up, I focus on the updates. “Hmm.”

  “What?”

  “News of the interview is blowing up. They’re calling you…” I pause, smiling as I read. “Genuine, authentic, real, raw. Listen to this. Ellis Worthington, CEO of Equis Financial, revealed all in an interview on The DBC last night. Mr. Worthington, who typically maintains a reserved persona provided a glimpse into the man he is, allowing us into his home and his heart through his relationship with Avery Kennedy, his former publicist.”

  “Former?”

  “Yes, I’m listed everywhere as your former publicist. Here’s another one. After realizing they’ve fallen in love, Mr. Worthington and Ms. Kennedy ended their brief but successful working relationship to pursue a personal one.”

  “Interesting.”

  “Yes. Listen to this one, titled ‘Outed’. After news broke early last week that Ellis Worthington and his publicist had begun a romance, one would easily think it was an example of Mr. Worthington’s disregard for anything other than his own pursuits, however, if you watched The DBC interview, you would know without a doubt, that the man is in love.”

  “That’s good, I suppose.”

  “It is. It goes on to say that it would be difficult to believe you were anything other than a proper gentleman after listening to your heartfelt account of events.”

  “Good.”

  “Here’s another. True romantics, listen up. Ellis Worthington is in love with one Ms. Avery Kennedy, an American publicist.” I look up. “Doesn’t even mention I was your publicist.”

  “Funny.”

  “If one doubted if the relationship between the two was authentic, one only needed to watch their eyes as they gazed at each other. This author hopes to find someone who will look at her the way Mr. Worthington looks at Ms. Kennedy.”

  Ellis laughs softly, propping himself up on his elbow. “Anything else.”

  “Yes, here’s one with a more serious tone. Allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of power lodged at Ellis Worthington earlier this year, were met straight on during his interview with DBC news guest host, Willis Morgan last night. In a surprising move, whilst previously refusing to comment, Mr. Worthington bared his soul to us, sharing not only his devastation over the accusations, but a glimpse into his personal life. His previous public persona was one of stoic aloofness, keeping the public at arm’s distance, but last night, Mr. Worthington revealed his humanness, his hurts, his disappointments, and his love. Addressing recent rumors that he began a relationship with his publicist, Avery Kennedy, he admitted that despite their best efforts they had fallen in love. Mr. Worthington gave an interview that revolutionized this viewer’s perspective of the man behind the company.”

  “That’s incredible.”

  “It is. Here’s one focusing on me. Avery Kennedy, publicist to Ellis Worthington, discussed her falling out in Hollywood. Without going into too much detail, she demonstrated poise and professionalism despite the nasty treatment of her reputation in America. Ms. Kennedy’s professional commitment to Mr. Worthington was evident, and likely did much to erase lingering negative perceptions of the businessman. Most interestingly, when discussing her relationship with Mr. Worthington, Ms. Kennedy exuded warmth and composure as she revealed her thoughts about the industry she herself is part of. It gave this journalist pause as I considered her words about the treatment of rumors. So often we get caught up in the story forgetting the people behind it. There are times when breaking the story is absolutely the right thing to do, but I for one, stopped to consider what difference does it make if these two people are in a relationship with each other? They aren’t married to other people. They aren’t breaking any laws. They aren’t hurting anyone by being in love. They are two young, attractive people obviously with many things in common who met under unusual circumstances. Who bloody cares? I for one, wish them well, and I hope all my readers follow my lead.”

  “Who wrote that?”

  “It’s an Op Ed piece in the London Times.”

  “It’s bloody brilliant. It sums it up doesn’t it? Who bloody cares if we’re in love except us and those close to us? Why does the public need to know?”

  “They don’t, and maybe they’ll see that now. No one said anything negative. It’s all good stuff. We needed this break.”

  “Thanks to you we have it. I would’ve never agreed to this on my own.”

  “I know.” I smile. “That’s why you have me.”

  “I couldn’t have fought this battle without you.”

  “You’ll never have to.”

  Ellis grins, taking the phone out of my hand and pulling me closer. “I am a fortunate man. I never knew how much until recently.”

  “You’re a wonderful man, and you deserve kindness, and love, and me.”

  “On that note, I think it’s time I made love to my beautiful, strong warrior.”

  “Exactly how I like to start my mornings.”

  “Good thing, love. This is our life now, and I wouldn’t wish for anything else. All the shit, the frustration, even the lies they said, I accept all of it to have this time with you.”

  I raise my eyebrow. “Sexy.”

  “Honest.” I laugh as he disappears under the sheets.

  This is our life now.

  Chapter 37 Ellis

  I’m going to work today. It’s time. As much as I’d like to stay holed up in this flat with the most beautiful woman in the world, I have responsibilities I can no longer hide away from. The positive reaction to the interview has bolstered my confidence, as does the now clear pavement in front of our building. They’ve all left, and I am hopeful that peace is coming. I can live my life as I wish.

  Avery walks into the bedroom where I’m putting on my tie wearing what has become a type of uniform to me, her black pencil skirt and white blouse.

  “Are you joining me?”

  “No.” She smiles taking over and fixing my tie. “I’m going to spend the day fielding any questions that might come as a result of
the interview. I felt like putting on my work clothes to shift my head back to work mode.”

  “Ah, but you are my former publicist, are you not?” I smile, pulling her close. “At least that’s what the press says.”

  “There’s no one else to take over yet. Besides, I need to finish what I started.”

  “I’ve always admired your tenacity.”

  “Well, I still want to know how Hannah was able to have access to us. I’ll be following up with the hotel.”

  “Let me know if you need anything.”

  “I will.” She kisses me softly. “Have a good day at work.”

  “I’ll do my best. I just want to get on with it now.”

  “Same.”

  “Have you written anything in your journal yet?”

  “No.”

  “Perhaps you can spend a bit of time doing that today.”

  “Maybe.” She smiles. “I’m still thinking about it.”

  “No pressure. I just want you to be happy. I want to be the source of it.”

  “You are.”

  Leaning forward, I kiss her again. “I’ll see you soon.”

  “Bye.”

  I walk out leaving her, hoping the day goes by quickly. The sooner I’m in her arms again, the happier I’ll be.

  ◆◆◆

  A few hours later, as I sit in my office reviewing the monthly reports with David, I hear a knock on the door and look up to see Avery.

  “Hey,” she says. “Can I interrupt?”

  “Of course. Is something wrong?”

  “No.” She shakes her head, before acknowledging David with a smile. “Hannah got outed.”

  “Outed?”

  She nods, handing me her phone. I read over the email from Willis.

  “What’s happening?” David asks.

  “According to information Willis found out,” Avery explains, “an employee of the hotel came forward with a story of how she met Hannah at a bar on Thursday night, and once Hannah learned where she worked, she made her an offer to get information about me.”

  “You?”

  “Yes, according to this woman, Hannah hates my guts for humiliating her at the Mercy auction. She’s been responsible for the media’s attention on me and was determined to get some dirt, so when she found out Ellis and I would be attending the awards in Paris, she went into action.”

  “How do you know it’s true?” David asks.

  “Well, I don’t, but it’s plausible. How else would they know when we were coming home if someone on the inside hadn’t told them?”

  “They were lovers,” Ellis says, looking up. “Hannah allegedly seduced this girl to get her to do her bidding.”

  “Lesbians,” David muses. “Interesting twist. So why come forward?”

  “It says here she felt guilty after seeing the interview last night,” Avery explains. “Hannah convinced her I was a terrible person and deserved it, but she says after she saw us last night, she didn’t believe it. She went this morning to the hotel, resigned her position, then in a move I find frankly brilliant, contacted a tabloid to tell her story. I’m sure there was money involved.”

  “The hotel has since issued a statement,” I say, scrolling further into her email. “Very apologetic and embarrassed a member of their staff violated their privacy policies. Will take a harder look at everyone, et cetera.”

  “At least we know now,” Avery says. “It was unnerving feeling like we were being watched all the time. Hannah has made a name for herself, but probably not in the way she wanted to.”

  “Yes, she may have charges pressed if the hotel pursues it,” David says. “It’s happened before to paparazzi.”

  Avery smiles. “Karma is a bitch, and Hannah is in her line of fire right now. If she ever crosses my path again, she’ll wish she never uttered my name.”

  A slow smile spreads across my lips. “Darling, your anger is extremely intriguing to me.”

  Her eyebrow raises. “You have company.”

  “I can leave if you two need a quick shag on the desk.”

  Avery laughs, shaking her head. “Shagging can wait.”

  David stands, tossing his arm around his sister-in-law’s shoulder and kissing her cheek. “I couldn’t be more chuffed that you and my best mate have made a match. He deserves a good woman, and you are that. When Ellis is passionate about something or someone, he throws all of himself into it, and he is passionate about you.”

  “Thanks, David,” she says. “I’m happy too.”

  “I’ll excuse myself now. Ellis and I can finish later.” He winks. “Just in case that midday shag is tempting.”

  She laughs as David leaves, then sits in the chair across from me, crossing one gorgeous leg over the other.

  “Quite a turn of events, yeah?”

  She nods. “Quite. Honestly, I think it’s amusing how it played out. She has no idea what she’s doing. A pro would never use sex for a story, especially with someone they haven’t thoroughly vetted. She probably made a desperate decision that backfired on her. No one will trust her.”

  “Why? The story was true. She didn’t lie about anything.”

  “Integrity, Ellis. I’ve seen it a thousand times in L.A. If you get your stories using dirty methods, everyone just thinks you’re scum. Even your peers. She’ll never get picked up by a big named outlet because they won’t trust her sources. They’ll be worried about how she got the information, especially if legal action is taken. I’m sure it’s the same here as it is across the pond.”

  “Ah, I see.”

  “You reap what you sow, as they say.”

  I nod. “I can’t stop looking at you now without imagining you spread across this desk. I have David to thank for that.”

  Avery grins. “I’m not letting you shag me on your desk.”

  “Not today, perhaps.” I stand walking to her side of the desk. “Remember our first meeting in here? You were livid with me.”

  “I remember.”

  “You were livid and all I could do was try to fight the desire to pull you into my arms and kiss the shit out of you. You had a fire in your eyes I desperately wanted for myself.”

  She reaches out, dragging her fingers over my growing bulge. “Now, I’m yours to kiss whenever you wish.” She tugs on my belt, causing my eyes to open wide. As she sinks her teeth into the material of my trousers, grazing my now rock hard cock, she flashes those lovely blue eyes up at me. “Yours to kiss, to touch, to shag.”

  “You are dangerously close to being ravaged.”

  “Mmm, that sounds delicious. Did you see my stockings?”

  “Oh, fuck. You didn’t wear the seamed ones?”

  “I will only wear the seamed ones from now on, lover.”

  “Let me see.” She stands turning away from me and bending over the chair. I drop to my knees as I run my hands over her delectable ass. Shoving her skirt up, I drag my tongue along the seam, then just give in, burying my face between her legs. She sighs as I pull at her lace thong with my teeth until my mouth finds the sweet spot. She bends over completely, allowing me full access to the most magnificent pussy in existence. It has to be. There couldn’t be anything better than this. As Avery grinds into my mouth, I grip her thighs, so deep inside her, I can barely breathe, but it doesn’t stop me from licking her into oblivion. She moans my name as her body shakes, bringing a smile to my face. Witnessing her orgasms is one of my better pleasures in life.

  Slowly I release her and she twists around, dropping to her knees and kissing me hard, as she runs her fingers through my hair. When she tugs on my belt, I place my hand over hers to stop her.

  “I want to,” she whispers against my mouth.

  “No, later.”

  “Why?”

  “Because all I want right now is your pleasure. We’ll take care of me later. In fact, you can count on a proper pounding before the day is over.” She smiles as she kisses me again, gently sucking my bottom lip. “When you kiss me and you are on my lips, what do you thi
nk?”

  “I think I taste good.”

  I grin, moving her hair off her shoulder. “You are correct. Amazing, actually. I love your taste.”

  “Thank you.” She gets a strange look on her face as she shifts her eyes away.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I just had a stupid thought.”

  “You can tell me.”

  “No.”

  “Please, tell me.” I help her to her feet as we compose ourselves again. “Anything you have to say is okay. You know that.”

  “I don’t want to sound like I’m comparing or like I think about other men because I don’t. I’m just very aware that you’re the best lover I’ve ever had. The most passionate, the most skilled, the most complimentary. I feel like I must be the most amazing woman on the planet.”

  “You are to me, Avery. I’ll be honest, sex has been a meaningless sport for me. A means to an end if you will, until you. I think about you constantly. I absolutely live to see you orgasm, and to be the cause of it. I want your pleasure before mine, and I assure you I haven’t been that benevolent in the past. Sex with you is an experience I cherish.”

  She cups my face. “I’ve never felt special. Never. I always thought Annabelle was the one with the charmed life. Everything just worked out for her, but for me, I struggled to figure it all out. Now I get it. I had to go through all that to get to you. To appreciate what we have together. It all makes sense now.”

  “You are special, Avery. You’re the only woman capable of making me feel calm on the inside. Making me feel safe enough to pull back my protective layers. The only woman who’s made me obsessed with your pussy.” We both laugh.

  “I love when you say that word. It’s much sexier with an English accent.”

  “I love you, Avery. You are everything to me. If I would give Eleanor the moon, I would give you the stars, the sun, and all the planets.”