by Alice Ward
His words caught me off guard and I choked on the scotch. “What?” I asked, wiping my face with a white linen napkin.
“If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that you can’t be friends with the help,” he insisted.
There had to be something wrong with him.
I took a moment and carefully considered my words. “I’m sorry, but you must realize that from where I’m sitting, that sounds incredibly elitist.”
Drake shrugged. “It’s just how things have always been done around here. Believe me, it’s the only way to keep good help. If they think you’re their friend, they think you’ll let things slide if they slack off. And if you are their friend and their job performance starts leaving something to be desired, then you end up in the painful position of having to fire someone you really like.”
Oliver said that he wasn’t completely grounded in reality, and that it was because of the way he grew up. Maybe this is one of the things he was talking about. Still, if this is Drake’s worst trait, it’s not a deal breaker.
“Oliver calls you by your first name,” I pointed out. “And he works for you.”
“Oliver works with me, Chelsea. There’s a big difference.”
Vanessa stepped back through the doors, putting an end to our conversation. She pushed a cart carrying two empty bowls, a porcelain tureen, and a bottle of pinot on ice.
“Chef Keen has prepared a wonderful Zuppa Toscana to start you off with,” she said as she placed the empty bowls in front of us. She lifted the lid of the tureen and ladled out generous portions of the potato and sausage soup while Drake poured the wine.
“I’ll give you some privacy,” Vanessa insisted. “And I’ll be out with the next course in twenty minutes.”
“Thank you, Vanessa.” Drake smiled at her warmly.
He’s not a bad guy. It’s not like he’s a snob or anything. He’s just doing things the way he was taught. I bet with a little subtle prodding, he’d come around.
Vanessa disappeared again and I took a large bite of the creamy, rustic soup. The potatoes were velvety smooth, the sausage rich and spicy. I savored it as I watched the sun set over the park.
“I knew this place would do it,” Drake said, breaking the comfortable silence. I turned and realized that he was staring at me in amusement.
“This place would do what?” I asked, taking another bite of soup.
“Impress you.” He grinned. “I’ve been trying to since the first night we met. You said something when we were up on the roof deck. You said you didn’t care who I was or how much money I had. You weren’t the first person to say that to me, but you were the first I actually believed.”
Emboldened by the look of desire on Drake’s face, I decided to be completely honest. “It’s not the penthouse that I’m impressed by,” I confessed. “It’s you. You were right when you accused me of making my mind up about you before we met. I paid too much attention to rumors and articles written by people who’ve never met you.”
“What changed your mind?” he pressed softly. He took a bite of his soup without ever looking away from my eyes.
“The texts you sent over the week,” I admitted. “And the way you acted at the café earlier today. I said we could just be friends and you respected that. You never pushed me for more or made me feel uncomfortable. That’s what impressed me.”
“And you feel differently now?” Drake asked. “Or do you typically kiss your friends?” he added with a teasing smile.
I blushed and looked down at my bowl. Drake reached across the small table, cradled my chin, and gently lifted my face until our eyes met.
“It’s nothing at all to blush about, Chelsea,” he insisted, his voice husky and his eyes serious. “It’s been a very long time since I’ve felt this way about anyone. You’re the most intriguing enigma I’ve ever met and I’m dying to unravel you… in every sense of the word.”
As he spoke, my palms started sweating and a tingling sensation radiated from between my legs. He looked at me with burning passion in his eyes and all sense of reason escaped my mind. I didn’t care that we barely knew each other or that we came from such different worlds. The most gorgeous man I’d ever met was sitting across from me, undressing me with his eyes. I decided to let him use his hands instead.
I uncrossed my legs, leaned towards Drake, and lowered my voice. “I’ve very much changed my mind,” I confessed. “Why don’t we have your chef hold dinner and you can get started on that ‘unraveling’ business’?” I finished with a daring smile.
A look of happy shock passed quickly over Drake’s face. He cleared his throat and replaced the shocked look with his confident smile. “Are you sure?”
If I think about this too long, I’ll change my mind. I want this, even if it’s only tonight. The whole day has been so magical and this is how I want it to end.
“I’m sure… unless you don’t want to?” I added, suddenly aware that I could be the one overstepping this time.
Drake pushed his chair away from the table and rose to his feet. “Of course I want to. It’s all I’ve been able to think about since we met.” He took two steps towards me, bent over, and lifted me into his arms.
“What are you doing?” I laughed as he carried me towards the French doors.
“Sweeping you off your feet, of course,” he explained with a grin.
I wrapped my arms around Drake’s neck and leaned into his ear. “Shouldn’t you call Vanessa? What will she think when she shows up with the next course and finds us gone?” I whispered before boldly nibbling on his earlobe.
Drake sucked in a sharp breath and released it slowly. “I don’t care what she thinks,” he told me, fumbling with the doorknob. It finally turned in his hand. He carried me through the living room, down a wide hallway, and into his master bedroom. He crossed the carpeted floor and instead of laying me across the king size mattress, he sat on the edge of the bed, holding me in his lap.
“You’re so beautiful, Chelsea,” he said, groping at the hem of my shirt. He pulled it over my head and sank his face between my breasts. I unhooked my bra and Drake used his teeth to pull it down my arms. The slight stubble on his strong jaw scratched my delicate skin, sending exhilarating shivers through my body.
Drake sucked and nibbled at my breasts before abruptly pulling away. He turned his body, pushing me onto my back before stripping off his own clothes. The sight of his enormous, throbbing cock took my breath away. I instinctively reached for it, stroking the soft, smooth skin as my pussy went wet with anticipation. I wasn’t sure if I could take his girth, but I was dying to find out.
“Slow down,” Drake whispered as he crawled on top of me. He supported his weight with his elbows and hovered just above me, sliding his naked cock against the crotch of my Capri pants.
“We have all night,” he reminded me. “And I want to enjoy every inch of you.” He lowered his mouth to my neck, barely grazing my skin with his soft, hot lips. He continued down to my chest, licking and sucking my nipples in turn before dropping his head even lower. He teased the outline of my waistband and I lifted my hips off the bed. Drake unbuttoned my pants and tugged them down my legs with both hands. I lay before him, naked save the black lace thong already soaked with my juices. Drake slipped one finger beneath the fabric, stroking me as he stared boldly into my eyes.
“I am going to make you come so hard, you’ll forget your own name,” he said as he pushed his finger inside. I gasped as he moved his other hand over my thong. His fingers worked in tandem, one hand stroking me on the inside, the other circling my magic button. As I wiggled beneath him, he tore off my thong and lashed at my pussy with his long, firm tongue. I felt my eyes roll back in my head and the world went black. I gripped handfuls of the comforter beneath me, desperately trying to hold myself in place as Drake worked his magic.
“Oh God,” I gasped as he plunged his tongue inside me. Drake hummed and the vibrations of his mouth sent me over the edge. My breath came in short, desperate
gasps as my body spasmed in release.
“I want you,” I begged, clawing at Drake’s shoulders. He crawled up the mattress on his hands and knees and retrieved a condom from the bedside table. I took it from his hands and pushed him onto his back.
“Let me,” I insisted, stroking his shaft again. Drake propped himself up against the cushioned leather headboard and watched as I took his rod in my mouth. He was too wide for me to take in the full length of his shaft, so I teased him with my hands as I worked my tongue around his knob.
“Oh my God, Chelsea,” he gasped as I clamped my lips around him. “If you keep that up, I’m going to come,” he warned. He slid his hands under my arms and flipped me onto my back.
“I can’t wait another second,” he explained, grabbing the still wrapped condom. “I have to be inside you.” He opened the package, rolled the rubber down his shaft, and climbed on top of me. I let my legs fall open and he moved between them, pushing into me with one swift motion. I was dripping wet with my first orgasm and the promise of a second, so taking him wasn’t an issue.
“You’re so tight,” he groaned, moving slowly inside me. “Are you okay? I can take it slow.”
I shook my head and wrapped my legs around his waist. I angled my hips upward, desperate to pull him even deeper inside me. “Give it to me, Drake,” I begged. “Give me all of it.”
He moved his hips in circles and moved in and out of me, slowly at first and then with increased urgency. I let my raw, animal instincts take over and clawed at his back as he impaled me over and over again.
I must be dreaming. It’s physically impossible for anything to feel this good.
Just when I thought I’d reached the height of pleasure, Drake dropped his head to my breasts and pushed me even farther. As he clamped his teeth around my nipple, my body erupted in release.
“Oh God, Chelsea,” Drake gasped again. I felt his cock tremble inside me and opened my eyes as he came. Drake’s eyes were open too, and we held each other’s gaze as our heartbeats slowed to normal. Finally, Drake slid out of me and rolled onto his back. He pulled me into his arms and we held each other in silent bliss until my stomach let out a loud rumble.
Way to kill the mood, Chelsea.
Drake’s lips curled up in amusement and he planted a soft kiss on my forehead. “Don’t be embarrassed, I’m hungry too. You wait right here. I’ll serve you dinner in bed.” He climbed out of bed, discarded the condom, and pulled on a pair of grey sweats.
“You’re going to serve me? Are you going to call me Ms. Tyler while you do it?” I asked with a teasing grin.
“After what just happened here, I’ll call you anything you want.”
CHAPTER 5
e
It was all a wonderful dream. There’s no way that I’m actually in Drake Waters’ bed. The first thing I see when I open my eyes will be my bathrobe, hanging off my closet door.
As I rolled over, I felt Drake’s soft, silky sheets against my bare skin and knew I hadn’t dreamed any of it. I slid my arm across the mattress, searching for his warm body. My hand brushed against Drake’s empty pillow and I realized that he was already up for the day. I stretched my arms over my head, finally opening my eyes.
The master suite had east facing windows and morning sunlight flooded the room. The old fashioned wind up alarm ticking on the nightstand told me that it was nine in the morning. I’d slept much later than I intended to and immediately panicked.
I forgot to text Piper to tell her I wasn’t coming home last night. She’s probably a nervous wreck. I’ll never hear the end of it.
I frantically searched for my purse and then remembered that I’d left it in the living room the night before. As if on cue, the bedroom door opened and Drake stepped in with my bag slung over his shoulder. He carried a cup of coffee in one hand, the Sunday New York Times in the other.
“Good morning,” he greeted me as I pulled the comforter over my naked breasts. Drake was dressed in a custom tailored navy suit and I felt strange laying naked in front of him. His mood had changed drastically from the night before, evidenced by his tense shoulders and inability to look me in the eye.
“Morning,” I replied as he passed me the coffee mug. “And thanks. I was just looking for that,” I added as he sat my purse down on the bed. “I need to text Piper and let her know I’ll be home soon. She’s probably worried sick.”
Drake put his hands in his pockets and stared down at the floor. “Chelsea, I’m so sorry, but I’ve had an emergency come up. I’m afraid I won’t be able to drive you home this morning like I promised. I have to get to my office for a meeting, but I’ve arranged for one of my drivers to take you to Jersey whenever you’re ready. Please, feel free to relax here for as long as you want.”
That’s why he’s being weird. It’s not me, its business.
“You really don’t have to bother your driver. I can take the train. I do it every day,” I assured him.
“I’d feel better if you let Steve take you home,” he replied firmly, still not looking at me. “Look, Chels, I may be MIA for the next week or so. My development team in Hong Kong has run into some issues with local building regulations. I’m going to try to straighten it out from here, but if all else fails, I’ll have to fly over.” He held one hand on his hip and scratched the back of his head with the other, staring out the window.
“I understand,” I assured him softly. “I hope everything works out.”
“Thank you.” He crossed the room with quick steps, bent down, and kissed the top of my head. He pulled away just as quickly and looked over his shoulder as he reached the door.
“I slid something into your purse. Consider it another congratulations on your promotion… I had a great time last night, Chelsea.”
“So did I,” I told him. I fixed my eyes on his face, silently begging him to look at me. He wouldn’t and left the room without another word.
What the hell was that? I understand things might be rough at work. But that’s no reason for Drake to suddenly be so distant with me… shit, was last night a mistake? Was I right in the first place about him being a player?
My heart sank as I considered the worst. Had Drake spent the last week acting like my friend as a ploy to get me into bed? Had his interest in me suddenly diminished after he got what he wanted? I pondered the questions as I flipped open my purse.
I’m overreacting. I’ve never jumped into bed with anyone so quickly. It’s making me emotional and insecure. I’ve got to pull myself together.
At first glance, I didn’t see anything unexpected in my bag. But as I searched for my phone, my hand brushed up against a stiff piece of paper. I pulled it out and stared down in disbelief. My ‘congratulations’ gift was a check with my name on it, made out for twenty thousand dollars. In the memo line, Drake had scratched ‘Founder’s Gala Donation’.
My heart sank and my stomach churned. I felt no better than a common prostitute and knew if I didn’t get out of the apartment, I was going to be sick. I kicked off the sheets and comforter, found my discarded clothes, and dressed quickly as I cursed myself for being so stupid.
Of course he’s pulling away now. What the hell did I expect to happen? What made me believe I was any different than all of the other women he’s been with?
Drake had insisted that he didn’t deserve his reputation. I’d believed him because I wanted to, despite all of the photographic evidence to the contrary.
And now, I’m just another name on his list. I’m not cashing that check, even if it’s supposed to be a donation for the gala. The museum can live without his money. I won’t give him the satisfaction.
I had no interest in letting Drake’s driver take me home. I held my sandals in my hands, tiptoed to the door, and slowly opened it. I peeked out into the empty hallway, my heart racing and my body tense with anger. I listened for a moment and heard no one moving about the apartment. I raced to the elevator and made my escape.
***
“Where the he
ll have you been?” Piper demanded as I pushed open the door of our apartment. I dropped my purse on the coffee table and sank down next to her on our worn, floral print couch. I didn’t want to tell her about my night with Drake because I didn’t want to admit it was a mistake.
“I’m sorry I didn’t call, my phone died. I spent the night in the city,” I explained without meeting her eye.
“I knew it! You spent the night with Drake. That’s not exactly taking things slow, Chelsea,” she scolded me with a teasing grin. “I want to hear all about it. Do you think Stacey would mind if I tag along on your shopping trip today?”
Shit, the baby registries. I forgot all about meeting Stacey today. I guess it’s better than hanging around her moping.
“I don’t think she’d mind at all.” I grabbed my phone from my purse and plugged it in to the wall charger. It powered on and I realized we only had half an hour before we needed to leave for the train station.
“I need to take a shower,” I said, desperate to wash Drake’s scent from my skin. “I’ll be ready to go in twenty minutes.”
I stepped into my bedroom, gathered clothes from the top of my clean laundry basket, and darted for the bathroom. I showered quickly, scrubbing my skin with a loofa while conditioner sat in my hair. As I rinsed off, I took a few deep breaths and tried to compose myself. I knew Piper and Stacey would both want to hear about my night with Drake. I was determined to stay emotionless while I told the story.
I dried off quickly, pulled on a t-shirt and a pair of khaki cargo pants, and scrunched gel into my wet curls. After a light coat of make-up, I was ready to return to the city. I stepped into the living room where Piper was waiting, her purse slung over her shoulder.
“That was fast.” She smiled. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yeah.” I glanced at my phone, but decided to leave it behind. I didn’t need to carry it around as a reminder that Drake wasn’t calling.
“So, are you going to tell me about your night or are you going to make me wait until we meet Chelsea?” Piper pressed as we walked to the subway.
