by Lee, Nadia
“Mm-hmm.” He licks the spot he kissed. “Is it working?”
“Yeah, if you make it fast so we aren’t late.”
“Deal,” he mumbles.
And he does make it quick, but no less pleasurable.
I close my eyes, my breath ragged. Now I’m really wrung out and want to nap. Does it count as a nap if it’s early morning…?
He kisses the tip of my nose. “Come on, sleepyhead. Have to get up if you don’t want to be late.”
“I’m too tired,” I complain, my eyes half-closed.
“Okay. Just don’t blame me if we’re late…”
“We?”
“Well, I’m not going in without you. When people say, ‘Hey, David, you’re late,’ I’ll say, ‘Yeah, my fiancée kept me in bed all morning. What can a man do?’”
I gasp, horrified and amused at the same time. “You would not.”
“Oh, hell yeah, I would. I have always wanted to say that.”
“Beast.” I add a mock glower, then ruin the effect by smiling at the end. I get up and make my way to the shower.
Regardless of David’s antics, we can’t miss work. There are meetings scheduled, some with the team in Virginia. Rescheduling would be incredibly annoying and troublesome for everyone involved. Unless David and I are down with the flu or worse, I’m not going to let him miss them.
As the hot water relaxes my muscles, I sigh. So this is what a normal relationship is like. It’s fun. I love that we can laugh with each other and nothing’s awkward, even after sex. In my experience, things always get weird after physical intimacy. It got so that I put myself on guard, as though I couldn’t let the guy in beyond a certain point.
But David just…slipped through my emotional defenses. And none of my internal alarms are going off. It’s like he’s simply claiming the spot that’s always been meant for him.
It feels right.
Despite the slightly delayed start, we arrive at the office on time and start plowing through one meeting after another. I take tons of notes, checking all the numbers and projections from the finance team. Most people don’t bother, but David prefers to be thorough. Fights for budget allocations can be cutthroat, and Alexandra doesn’t believe in spending money without a very specific goal and ROI target.
When the last meeting ends at three, I return to my desk and roll my shoulders, my brain numb from so many conferences. I note a new voicemail on my main line and hit it.
“This is Young Won Kim, an assistant to Ms. Yuna Hae from the Ivy Foundation,” a masculine voice says. “Ms. Hae would like to drop by your office at a quarter till five. Would that be acceptable? Please let me know via return call or text. My cell phone number is…”
Doing my best to breathe calmly, I jot down his number quickly on a sticky note. I’m double-checking it as David walks up, carrying two cups of coffee. He places one on my desk. “Here you go.”
“Thanks,” I say with a smile, then stand with the cup between my hands and follow him into his office. I shut the door behind us.
He gives me a smile as he sits down. “You know… It almost feels like I’m the assistant, handing you your coffee.”
“If you want, I can bring you one next time.” Instead of taking a sip, I say, “I just got a call from Yuna Hae’s assistant. She wants to drop by at four forty-five. Is that okay with you? Currently your calendar’s clear.”
He nods slowly. “Sure, that would be good.”
I lower my voice, doing my best to suppress my excitement. “I don’t want to jinx it, but it’s a yes, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, but I’m sure there’s a condition or two attached. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be coming here herself.” He sips his coffee thoughtfully.
My grip on my own coffee tightens, before I remember to not squeeze too hard and spill it everywhere. “Really? What kind of condition?”
“Gerry’s head on a silver platter?” He shrugs. “But that shouldn’t be a problem. Don’t tell anybody, because it hasn’t been officially finalized, but he’s going to be fired.”
Wow. So what she said at the meeting was true. He did try to grope her at a bar. Gross.
“He’s an unfortunate HR slip-up. Won’t be the last one, though. It’s difficult to screen people as thoroughly as we’d like.” David’s mouth flattens.
I know it bugs him. To him, the company’s reputation is everything. It isn’t just about him, but about his family and their legacy. “Well, Gerry’s been taken care of, so I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
I go back to my desk and start organizing the day’s meeting notes and plan out the next action items. My phone pings with a text. I frown with distaste as I start reading it.
–Dad: Can you put in some a word with your fiancé for a contribution to my campaign? It’d really help. I won’t be outspent by Chapped Dick.
Groaning, I press my knuckles against my forehead. Another text. Also from Dad.
–Dad: It’s important. I can’t lose to him. Also, reach out to Warren. He’s always had fond feelings for you. Use them to your advantage.
Meaning: use them to his advantage. I sigh, suddenly tired. It’d be nice if he’d actually asked me how I was doing. Or at least pretended like he was interested in me and David beyond what David and his family can do for his career. And how could Dad even suggest I turn to Warren? Can’t he see how that would look to David?
Shoving aside my bitterness, I put my phone away and go back to the document. I have so much to do today. Besides, I’m going to have my Normal Experience with David, damn it, and I’m not letting my dad ruin it. Normal people probably don’t have career-driven dads trying to use them to further their ambitions. It’s just one more cross for me to bear, but it is what it is. I’m not going to let it affect my situation with David, not when everything’s so perfect.
At four forty-five, Yuna Hae arrives. I thought maybe she overdid it with making a statement the first time, but I see I’m wrong on that point. She’s impeccably dressed in a blue Versace—I recognize it because Josephine made me try one on—and glittery champagne-colored sandals. A white, wide-brimmed hat sits on her head, and she walks in with her entourage like she’s a Hollywood superstar.
I take her and her people to the conference room where we had our first meeting. David’s already there. He has a friendly—but professional—smile on his otherwise inscrutable face.
“Hello, David.” She nods at me. “Erin.”
Wow. She remembers my name. And I get a nod this time.
She continues, “Thank you for meeting me on such short notice.”
“Our pleasure,” David says. “Please. Have a seat.”
She sits down, followed by her assistants. Her bodyguards take positions around her.
“I know we’re all busy, so I’ll get right to the point,” she says. “The Ivy Foundation would like very much to partner with Sweet Darlings, Inc.”
I exhale slowly and quietly. David and I already agreed she’d likely say yes, but it’s always good to have it confirmed.
“But there’s one condition,” she adds.
Here it comes. Gerry’s fired. Yes, he is.
“I’d like Erin Clare to be our point of contact and main liaison.”
Huh? “I’m sorry?”
The brown eyes swing my way. “Was I unclear?”
“No, but… Me?” I point at myself, then glance at David.
He nods. “That’s fine with us.”
How can he say that? It’s all I can do not to squeak that out as panic winds me up. Doesn’t he know it’s not my responsibility? I’ve never done anything like this. Ever! Shouldn’t I have a test run before I take on a project this big and important? He said this partnership would help us become the number one photo app in Korea! Where users are highly profitable!
Yuna shoots me an amused smile. “You look positively horrified, Erin.”
Oh my God. Am I that obvious? Embarrassment heats my face. “I mean…” I clear my throat. “I just don’t know
why you picked me. I’m not the one who spoke at the presentation when you were here.”
She blinks once. “You don’t remember?”
“Remember what?” I wish she’d just say it, since it’s obvious I don’t.
“You did speak up, when I decided to leave without listening to the presentation. You’re loyal, you speak your mind and you have great taste. Love that necklace, by the way.”
“Oh.” My hand flies to the small gold pendant I got on the shopping spree with Josephine. I thought it was pretty, but normally wouldn’t have dared to buy it. She said David was paying so I should definitely take it.
“Anyway, I need somebody I can trust to be honest and not afraid to try to change my mind when necessary. So. That’s my condition. What do you say, Erin? I don’t want to force it on you.”
Oh geez. She doesn’t want to force it on me, except she has by stating the condition the way she did.
I swallow the anxiety rising in my throat, so I can speak without squeaking like a TV chipmunk. “Sure. I can do that.”
“Excellent.” She beams. “I gotta get going. I have dinner plans with my favorite honorary nephew and niece. Our lawyers should be in touch with yours within twenty-four hours. Have a great evening.”
She stands and leaves, taking her entourage with her.
I stare at the closed door for a moment. “She’s like a whirlwind. In and out, saying what she wants to say. And with such flair that you can’t help but notice her.”
David looks at me with a warm smile. “Looks like you had a role in getting her not only to change her mind but to partner with us.”
I place my hands on my cheeks, excitement and nervousness twining. “I know, I can’t believe it. And me as the main liaison? Wow. I never thought I’d take on something this important.” Dad told me I’d become homeless and starve on the streets if I moved away from Saintsville, and it was a big deal that I proved him wrong by getting a job at Sweet Darlings, Inc. And now, I’m actually advancing in my career!
“You deserve it. Being a liaison will be a great opportunity for you.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Thank you,” I say, thrilled he’s so happy for me.
“We should celebrate.” He puts an arm around my shoulders. “What are you in the mood for?”
I don’t even have to think. “I want to bake cookies!” Then I pause, wondering if I should’ve asked him what he wants to do. He might prefer to do something else. Like going out or something. Baking is my private way of being happy and productive, but it probably isn’t his. “But, I mean, we don’t have to. We could do something else. What are you in the mood for?”
He presses a warm kiss on my forehead. “This is your celebration, Erin. Let’s go bake cookies if that’s what you want.”
Of all the things he could’ve done, this touches me so deeply. I can’t remember a time when people close to me deferred to my decision. I’m weird and am going to become like my mom anyway, so my dad, Katrina and Warren almost always overrode me, saying it was for my own good.
You’re falling for him.
I know…but I can’t imagine a better man to fall for, even if it’s only for three months.
Chapter Forty-One
David
The cookies come out better than I imagined was possible. But then, we made them together, and I tasted the dough to make sure nothing was missing or added.
We eat them until we feel a little queasy. It’s fun and relaxing, much more so than I expected. Not to mention the whole thing has a sort of homey vibe, like we’re a real couple, not fakers, sharing a moment.
Naturally, Mom calls to interrupt it.
“I have to cancel the visit! I’m so sorry, hon! I know you were looking forward to it, but your dad sprained his wrist and needs me around,” she says with a long-suffering sigh.
I can hear all the words she isn’t saying: Your father is such a baby! All men are! But it’s my job to do what I do best.
“It’s okay, Mom,” I say. “Tell Dad to take it easy.”
“Him? What about me? I’ll have to wait on him hand and foot.”
I just laugh. I know my mother. Even though she’s grumbling, if Dad didn’t act like he needed her, she’d be pouting and upset.
When I hang up, Erin looks up from her milk. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah. Dad sprained his wrist, so Mom can’t leave him to come out here.”
“A sprained wrist?” She frowns. “Is it serious?”
“No. It’s probably nothing major, not enough to make him give up the control over the barbecue grill at the party. But he wants to be babied, and Mom loves to indulge even though she pretends like she doesn’t.”
“So…she isn’t coming?”
“Nope.” I kiss her. “Just you and me this weekend. How will we find a way to spend the time?”
The next morning, we bring the cookies to share at work, since we still have over two dozen left.
“Do you think people will like them?” Erin asks, eyeing the Tupperware container, as we step out of the elevator together.
“Of course. Everyone loves free home-baked cookies.” And I made sure they came out perfect.
“I guess, but… I’ve never done this before,” she whispers. “I mean, bringing them to work.”
“You brought them for me,” I point out.
“Yeah, but you like them. Most people don’t.” Anxiety tightens her mouth.
What Fordham said pops into my head, and I want to give her a hug of reassurance. To most people, these would just be cookies. To her, it’s proof that she’s mentally okay because of what her mom said.
“Trust me. They’re fine.” You’re fine. I swallow the last part since I don’t want to bring up a painful memory. I know we should talk about it at some point, but this isn’t the right time. The best thing is to wait until she’s comfortable enough to want to share it with me.
She nods, although her blue eyes are full of worry. I pat her shoulder, then place a quick kiss on the crown of her head. If I could, I’d travel back in time and destroy all the things that hurt her, beat the crap out of all the people who made her doubt herself.
Bev walks up. “Hey, Erin. Hi, David.”
“Hi,” Erin says.
“Good morning,” I say. “You’re here early.”
“There was a meeting with the team in Virginia.” She sighs. “The time difference sucks.” Bev’s eyes zero in on the Tupperware. “Ooh, cookies! Can I have one?
Erin swallows, heartbreaking uncertainty fleeting through her gaze. I open the lid. “Of course. Erin baked ’em last night.”
“Thanks!” Bev takes one and bites into it greedily. “Oh my gosh. This is great. So soft and chocolatey. I didn’t know you could bake so well, Erin.” She smiles, careful not to show any teeth. “It’s amazing. Now the day’s starting off right! Hey, gotta run. Another meeting!” She trots off.
Erin lets out a slow breath, too overcome to say anything.
“Told you.”
She turns to look at me. Her eyes shine brighter than stars, and her entire being glows like the moon. For an instant I can’t breathe. How lovely she is in that moment.
“You sound really smug,” she says finally.
I swallow before I can answer. “What can I say? I love being right.” I brush the bridge of her nose with the back of a finger, watch the flush bloom on her cheeks and think, And I love this sight even more. “Let’s get to work,” I say before I do something really inadvisable. Like drag her into my office and have my way with her. Again.
And we really can’t afford to screw around, literally or figuratively. I have a lot to clear off my plate before we go to Virginia for the party next Saturday. I was initially thinking about flying out on Friday night, but Mom wouldn’t hear of it. Her text made that abundantly clear.
David, how are we going to get to know Erin better when there are so many people around at the party? You need to bring her EARLY. You know I’m already heartbroken abo
ut not being in L.A. this weekend like I wanted!
I don’t know how much getting to know each other is going to happen on Friday, though. We’re flying on a red-eye on Thursday, and we’re going to be tired when we land Friday morning in Dulles. Hopefully Mom hasn’t made any really ambitious plans involving an elaborate breakfast, lunch and dinner and outings. She can go overboard when she’s focused on something, and I don’t want Erin to feel overwhelmed.
Wyatt strolls into my office at nine thirty, holding two cookies. He’s one of my closest friends and colleagues at Sweet Darlings, Inc., and we have a few items to go over, which hopefully won’t take too long.
He hands me a cookie. “Here. Thought you wouldn’t want to miss these.”
“I already had some last night,” I say, watching him sit down.
“That was last night, ol’ son. This is now.” After I take it, he munches on his. “Damn, this is good. Thought you said she couldn’t bake.”
“Did I? Oh yeah, when you fired that girl…”
“Yup. Baked like a dream. Just wasn’t cut out for office work.”
“It was just that one time,” I say, not wanting Wyatt to mention my criticism of Erin’s baking to anybody.
“Yeah? Because you sounded really sincere back then. And you’re lyin’ now.”
“I’m not lying,” I say, wishing I’d never complained to Wyatt. If he opens his big mouth, the damage is going to be incalculable. I doubt he’ll gossip and tell anyone—that’s not his style—but I have to be one hundred percent certain. “If you ever tell anybody I said Erin can’t bake, I’m sending Kim a viper. In your name.”
“Real mature there,” Wyatt says dryly. “She’d never believe I sent it. Our love is pure and eternal, like sunlight on the snow on Mt. Everest.”
“If you ever get tired of working here, you’ve got a bright future in a mediocre Shakespearean theater somewhere.” At the same time, I have to give him the point. He and his fiancée are committed for life, the way Dane and Sophia are. I consider the cookie on my desk thoughtfully.
Erin and I agreed to a temporary fake engagement. But why shouldn’t it be more permanent? I can’t think of a reason. I meant what I said at Dane’s place. After I broke up with Shelly, my heart was empty. In retrospect, I realize what I felt for her wasn’t necessarily love, but half friendship and half affection that I mistook for love because I was young and we’d known each other for so long. When she betrayed me, it hurt, but if I’m brutally honest about it, I was angrier with myself for being fooled than upset about losing her.
