Just Breathe

by Rachel Brookes

  My laughter halted the minute a cab pulled up and Tate and a brunette stumbled out, looking like two people that had been out all night. He was still wearing his Red Velvet uniform and stubble was grazing his chin. Tate draped his arm around her shoulders as they started walking towards the double glass doors of the apartment building. I recognized her immediately; she was one of the giggling girls at the lifts the other night.

  “Morning ladies," Tate said grinning from ear to ear as his eyes scanned over my body, he didn’t hide the fact that he lingered over my legs. “Savannah can I have a word?”

  I looked at Tanzi and shrugged my shoulders. What could he possibly have to say to me?

  Tanzi walked towards her car and left me at the discretion of Tate Connors.

  “So I haven’t been able to stop thinking about your little comment from the other night.” He took a step closer to me and leaned down so his mouth was barely an inch from my ear. “I’d fuck you in a way that you’d never forget. That’s a promise.”

  Tate stepped back and his eyes burned into mine. I couldn’t look away. His words were full of a promise that set my body on fire and his intention was as clear as day.

  “Sav, we really need to leave. You don’t want to be late on your first day.”

  I broke my gaze at the sound of Tanzi’s voice. I didn’t give Tate another look as I rushed towards her. I needed to get away from him.

  "Have a pleasant day at work.” Tate called.

  Tanzi flipped him off and I kept my eyes focused on the ground. I opened the passenger door and chanced a glance over my shoulder and sure enough my eyes locked with Tate’s. He winked before walking through the glass doors and out of my view. I cringed at the reaction my body had to him.

  ***

  “Savannah Rae, get your arse into my office now.”

  SHIT!!

  Mr. Davenport’s voice bellowed through the top floor, causing every other member of the Beautify staff to stop and look in my direction. Looks of sympathy and good lucks were shot at me as I walked to his office. The tone in his voice could only mean one thing. I may as well start packing now and planning my trip back to Australia.

  I knocked lightly and pushed open his door and walked in to await my fate. I took a seat opposite Mr. Davenport at his desk, his eyes glaring at me over the top of his computer screen. This wasn’t going to be a positive conversation.

  “So how was your first night in Los Angeles? I heard you went out for dinner, a few drinks and that you went home with a guitarist! Really, Savannah…really?” His voice was saturated with anger. Who the hell told him?

  I huffed in response, instantly feeling like I was sixteen years old and getting caught with a guy in my bedroom. “What do you want me to say? Yes, I got drunk, and yes, I went home with a guy.”

  “Do you not listen to anything I say? This is a new city, Sav; you don’t know people here. You worry me sick. Can you go a month without guys? For the love of god, please let me have a month of peace. Really, is that too much for me to ask?” His eyes pleaded at me and I could see that he was at the point of giving up on me and that was something I couldn’t ever let happen. I needed him.

  “Fine!” I huffed in frustration, folding my arms across my chest in an attempt to protect myself. Mr. Davenport had put on the substitute-father cap and I went into chucking-a-tantrum mode. Seriously, he frustrated me sometimes.

  “I want you to organize the launch for the magazine’s new design. I need you to organize a venue, guests, models, everything for this Saturday. Work with PR and marketing to get this up and running. Focus on this, Savannah, and not fucking up.” He dropped his eyes from mine and went back to tapping away at his computer. I knew the conversation was over.

  I stormed out of his office and made a point of slamming the door behind me. The rest of the day I slammed my drawers shut, typed too loudly and snapped at everyone. My stubborn streak came alive and I threw myself into organizing the launch. Even though Mr. Davenport at times shit me to tears I couldn’t lose him and I knew I wanted to make him proud. He was my savior in so many ways. He was the one who packed me up when I was eighteen and took me to Sydney. He was the one who held my hair back when I came home drunk too many times to count. He was the one who still had faith in me when everyone else chose to step away. I knew my behavior was already sending whispers of a sordid affair between Mr. Davenport and me through the office. It was good to see that our affair had moved from Sydney to Los Angeles.

  Babe, how’s life on the top floor? We are celebrating tonight. You are in L.A, cocktails on a Monday night is the norm. Tate suggested we come to the bar, he’s paying.

  Peace out,

  T x

  Cocktails sounded good, Tate sounded dangerous, especially after the whole I would fuck you comment. I would welcome a Long Island Iced Tea, but under no circumstances were tequila shots hitting my lips. Tequila shots + Savannah + Los Angeles = bad decisions.

  Hey lovely, cocktails sound amazing. How about dinner? No tequila for me tonight. Mr. Davenport has given me a huge assignment to work on this week. I’ll give you details tonight.

  S x

  Tanzi greeted me on the top floor after work and sat on the edge of my desk as I packed up my things. I still hadn’t spoken to Mr. Davenport, but I couldn’t help but smile at him as he walked past my desk to leave for the day.

  “I’d totally bang Mr. D.,” Tanzi declared as her eyes lingered on his retreating figure. I swung my head around to stare at my friend and her ridiculous statement.

  “WHAT!” I stammered.

  “He is sexy as fuck. I’d totally bang him…well, if Jack wasn’t on the scene.”

  “Oh my god, Tanzi. I do not need to hear that!” I chuckled as I slung my bag over my shoulder and we walked toward the lift. “Rumor has it that I am a gold-digging whore who is in a turbulent affair with him.”

  “Oh yes, that rumor has hit my floor. You are such a dirty whore, Miss Rae, sleeping your way to the top. At least he is fucking hot as a wildfire! I’d be proud of you if you were banging him.”

  We headed straight to the bar when we arrived at Red Velvet. Tanzi’s fantasies about Mr. Davenport were still clear in my mind, and I couldn’t shake the visuals I was having of the two of them out of my head. God help me if I was ever in a room with both of them. The bar was busy for a Monday night and the large flat screen televisions throughout the bar were showing a football game that caused sudden outbursts of cheering from rowdy guys scattered throughout the bar. Tanzi and I walked straight to the main bar to find Tate working. His eyes rose at the sound of our heels clicking on the polished floorboards.

  “How are my working girls today?” He smirked at his words and continued to clean the glass he was holding while looking directly at me.

  I rolled my eyes at him as I pulled out the stool and sat at the bar. “We corporate girls are just fine, thank you; you make us sound like a couple of whores.” I didn’t break eye contact, I wouldn’t. The way he had the sleeves of his shirt rolled up and the top two buttons of his shirt open made him look like a beautiful appetizer. Why couldn’t I focus on how much of an arse he was and allow it to completely banish any sexual attraction I had to him. The way he licked his lips nearly tipped me over the edge, but as soon as he spoke I was quickly pulling myself up over the edge.

  “You can be whatever you like, Savannah. Corporate girl…whore. I wouldn’t have any complaints.”

  Tanzi glared at her twin and began tapping her foot impatiently. “Shut the hell up, Tate. Serve us a damn cocktail.”

  He smirked, that deliciously sexy smirk that caused my breath to catch in the back of my throat. Shit. “Sex on the Beach, Quick Fuck, Between the Sheets, Climax, Slippery Nipple? What will I be serving you tonight, Savannah?”

  “Do you have one called Not in Your Fucking Life?”

  He raised an eyebrow and glared as fire swarmed within his baby blue eyes.

  Tanzi scoffed beside me, giving me that extra bit of confi
dence to go head-to-head with her brother.

  “What about a Stuck Up Bitch Who Screws Any Man Who Walks? I hear they are popular with the local bands,” he spat back at me.

  I glared at him, wanting nothing more than to smack the perfect smirk off his face. “How about an Arsehole Who Fucks Anything That Has a Pulse, Even If They Are Barely Legal and Spreading Their Legs All Over Town?”

  He leaned over the bar, his face barely an inch from mine, but I still wouldn’t break. I couldn’t break. I could feel his breath on my face and his eyes were latched to mine. “Oh Savannah Savannah Savannah, you could quite possibly be—”

  “Long Island Iced Teas,” Tanzi interrupted before he could finish. I was anxious yet excited to hear what he was going to say. For someone that I had only just met, he infuriated me like no one else had ever done, but I couldn’t deny his pull and that was what was freaking me out. Tanzi grabbed my hand and tugged me away from the bar, I looked at Tate over my shoulder and he fired a wink in my direction. I couldn’t help but smile at him.

  “What was that about? You and Tate?” She looked at me with confusion, her eyes darting between Tate and me.

  “I’m sorry, I’m just super tired and feeling overwhelmed by this new project. Mr. Davenport informed me today that I had the responsibility of organizing the official launch party of the new magazine; I have a week to find a venue, secure models, organize catering, hair and makeup. Where the hell am I going to find a venue this short notice?” I sighed and started twisting my hair around my finger in the way I did when anxiety hit me.

  Tanzi began shifting in her seat, her eyes scanning every inch of the bar, the crease between her brow showing that her brain was ticking over. “What about here?”

  “What about here?” Tate asked as he placed a tray with two freshly made cocktails on the table in front of Tanzi and me.

  “Is this place free Saturday? Sav has a launch party she needs a venue for.” Was I invisible?

  “Yeah, that should be fine. Email me the details. Tanzi can give you my info.” He gave me a quick look before making his way to his office. What the hell just happened?

  “There, all sorted. One thing crossed off the list. Now let’s drink these cocktails. I know he’s a shithead, but Tate makes a mean cocktail.” Tanzi smiled smugly. I needed to change the subject fast.

  “So you and Jack are completely and utterly gorgeous together!”

  “He is amazing,” she gushed as she looked over at her boyfriend, who was also working. “He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I was done with the casual hookups that L.A. offered, and well, Tate wasn’t too welcoming of any guys I brought home, but he loves Jack so it’s win-win.”

  “What about you?” Tanzi prompted and looked at me suggestively.

  “There are definitely no guys on the scene for me. I am a relationship-free zone,” I said and emphasized the space around me.

  “Are you serious? You are a freaking catch! I’d totally hook up with you if I were into girls.”

  “What!” I laughed loudly. “I’d totally do you too. What a shame we like men!” I fell back into my chair and laughed at the hilariousness of this conversation. Where had this girl been all my life?

  Tanzi crooked her eyes at me and chuckled softly. “But seriously! How are you single? You are gorgeous, funny and feisty, and I won’t even mention the killer set of legs you rock.”

  “God, you crack me up, Tanzi! Thanks, I guess.” I snickered softly. “But yeah, I don’t really do relationships. I haven’t had that good of experience in the past.” I had to stop myself before drifting off into admission of my past. I trusted Tanzi, but I was scared of talking about it for fear of a panic attack hitting.

  “You deserve to find a great guy.” Her smile was sincere and her words heartfelt.

  “Thanks, Tanzi. You know, I’m glad I met you. I haven’t, uh, had many girlfriends in the past, so you are one of a kind.” I laughed nervously.

  “Babe, the moment you told me you loved tequila, shopping and trashy reality shows, I knew we would be best friends. We are a match made in heaven.”

  And that’s why I couldn’t risk Tate getting to me.

  Chapter Seven

  Thursday was panning out like Tuesday and Wednesday—a breakfast involving a double-strength Red Bull, a bagel from the café near the office and my desk being swamped with headshots of models wanting to be a part of the fashion show. Rubbing my temples, I leaned back in my oversized office chair to try and gain a moment’s peace during the craziness of the day. Mr. Davenport knew that I worked well under pressure, but he was pushing me to the edge, my in tray was overflowing. Vibrations on my desk threw me back into reality. I fumbled through the pile of work engulfing my desk, finally locating my phone.

  Tate: We need to talk. Come to the bar when you can.

  Shit!

  Me: About?

  Tate: Just come to the bar.

  Two hours later, I sat in the back of a cab in sheer panic as I made my way to Red Velvet. I had no idea why he wanted to see me and the idea that he was pulling out terrified me. He wouldn’t. He couldn’t. I closed my tired eyes and felt my mind getting lost in the music coming through the cab radio. I had barely had four hours sleep a night since I had arrived and it was starting to take its toll, only yesterday I had fallen asleep on the couch in Mr. Davenport’s office and once again he threatened to fire me. The moment my body started to slip into unconsciousness, my phone came to life. Forcing my eyes open, I saw a new email icon flashing on the screen.

  Gorgeous! Where are you? You are MIA! I know you are super busy organizing the launch, but please come over for dinner tonight. Jack is cooking Italian and you are in charge of bringing wine. I’ll see you at 8. Mwah Tanzi

  I tapped out a response as the cab pulled up at Red Velvet.

  That sounds amazing and a perfect excuse to leave the office on time. I can’t wait to see you. Hugs S

  Red Velvet was eerily quiet when I arrived; the front doors were locked so I had to go through the side door and through the restaurant. The sound of faint voices pricked my ears and I turned toward the closed door at the back of the restaurant. My heels clicked on the wooden floorboards, echoing through the open space. My hands skimmed the front of my dress to straighten any crinkles and I pulled out my lip gloss to reapply. I was panicking about what Tate could possibly want from me. It was two days out from the biggest moment of my career to date, so the thought that he was going to cancel terrified me.

  I hesitated as I reached the double doors before grasping the handles with my shaky hands and pulling. I stopped dead in my tracks. I stepped right into a meeting with the entire staff of Red Velvet. Any courage I had quickly vanished and my cheeks turned a deep crimson, pure embarrassment filling me. Tate stopped talking and his head swung in my direction, eyes fuming at the person who had interrupted his meeting. His eyes softened when he saw me and then proceeded to look me up and down. I’d worn my favorite red dress. It was fitted to the knee and gathered slightly in the chest area, showing just the right amount of cleavage for the office.

  “Thanks everyone. Jen will continue the meeting. I’ve got a…” He hesitated, looking me up and down again. For once, his eyes didn’t infuriate me, they excited me. “I’ve got a meeting. Jen, I’ll be in the main bar.”

  Tate stalked toward me, eyes never leaving mine. “Come with me,” he said softly as he passed.

  I followed him through the doors of the restaurant and to the main bar and let out a deep gasp.

  “What do you think?” Tate whispered as he stepped up close behind me, his chest brushing against my back ever so slightly, the way his breath tingled the skin on the back of my neck caused a shiver to run up my spine. My eyes closed at his subtle touch and I didn’t want to move an inch.

  “What have you done?” I asked in surprise as my eyes scanned the room in front of me. The walls looked freshly painted, the ceiling was covered in a sheer white drape with fairy lights covering ev
ery inch, the stage floor had been polished and the seating was arranged to create a small runway.

  I turned slowly to face him and that’s when I got to bask in his glory. How I hadn’t noticed what he was wearing? He was dressed head to toe in true business owner attire. A tailored business suit, charcoal grey in color with a dusty pink button-down shirt, black tie, and the icing on the cake, day-old stubble gracing his perfect face. It was my turn to look him up and down, my eyes lingering too long on his lips.

  “How old are you?” I blurted out suddenly. The look on his face turned to amusement.

  “I’m twenty-four. Why’s that?”

  “When you are dressed like that, you look older. You are very successful for being so young.”

  “I’ve worked hard for what I’ve got.” His jaw tensed and I watched his eyes narrow; it was as if I had hit a raw nerve. “How old are you?”

  “I turned twenty-two three weeks ago.”

  “Well, happy birthday then.” Tate smiled and looked toward the bar at the sound of glass hitting the wooden bar top. I saw that the meeting I had interrupted had finished as the staff walked through the bar saying goodbye to Tate.

  “Thanks for finishing the meeting, Jenny. I’ll see you tomorrow night. I’ll open if you can close?”

  “Not a problem, see you then. Love your shoes, Savannah.” The lady who I now knew as Jenny gave me a wide smile and pointed toward my shoes. I watched her walk toward the exit and I swung around to Tate.

  “How does she know who I am?” I questioned completely baffled as to how she could possibly know who I was.

  Tate rubbed the back of his neck and averted his eyes from me. “Tanzi must have mentioned you, I’m not sure. You had lunch? The restaurant is about to open and I’m going to grab something if you want to hang around and eat,” he said quickly, a little too fast.