by Kat T. Masen
He squeezes me tight, unable to wipe the delicious grin off his handsome face. I grab the lapels of his suit jacket in my hands, admiring his attire.
“You look awfully handsome today. Is there someone you are trying to impress?”
“Yes,” he deadpans, then allows his gaze to fall on my lips. “A seventy-three-year-old Cantonese man.”
I shrug my shoulders and pout. “Guess I have some competition then? So, are you ready to come back to my place?”
“If it involves you naked in the kitchen, lead the way.”
The drive to my apartment is less than fifteen minutes away, but during that time, Will’s phone repeatedly goes off, which is connected to the Bluetooth of his car. The men he dealt with were relentless, and Will had zero patience. He raised his voice on more than one occasion, reminding me a lot of my own father when he was on work calls.
By the time we arrive, he looks equally relieved.
“Look, my place is small. In fact, my dad wanted to buy me some fancy penthouse, but I wanted something simple and low maintenance.”
“Wait?” Will extends his arm, stopping me. “Are you saying you don’t have a maid?”
I shake my head.
“Then who will I have an affair with when you’re busy at classes?”
I smack his arm with a small chuckle. “You, sir, are a pain in the ass. Remind me to recycle the joke when we talk about your doorman.”
Will purses his lips, less than pleased with my comeback.
I pull my keys out of my purse, jiggle it in the door to open it wide with a “Welcome home, baby!”
We both stop in our tracks to see Liesel waving at us from the couch. Her hair is up in a messy bun, and she’s dressed in a pair of pajamas covered in the words Queen of Sleep.
“Liesel?”
“Oh, hey. Sorry, you said it was okay if I crashed here. I texted you, but you never texted back, so I figured you were still in the Hamptons getting lai…I mean, having fun.”
“I have been busy getting laid,” I tell her in amusement. “You’ve met Will? He’s also getting laid, by me, just in case that wasn’t clear.”
Liesel wipes her hands from the popcorn she was eating. With a curious smirk, she extends her hand to Will and shakes it politely. “How could I forget?”
I throw my bag on the ground and motion for Will to take a seat. When he sits down, I take a seat on his lap, ready to interrogate Liesel.
“So, walk me through why you’re here again? I didn’t even notice when I rushed in this morning. I just grabbed my Mac and ran out.”
“I’m not sure which version to give you.”
I turn to look at Will, who is equally amused. “Will is a big boy. Give me the Liesel version.”
Liesel takes a deep breath. “I got drunk at the corporate party on Sunday night, accidentally blew my boss, then came home to find David in the middle of our next-door neighbor’s legs. I wasn’t going to stick around at that point. I said some words. He said some words. Since the rental agreement was in his name, I left until I realized I had nowhere to go.”
My mouth falls open. Will places his hand beneath my chin, purposely closing my mouth while trying to keep a straight face.
“Um…back the hell up, please. Firstly, how did you accidentally blow your boss?”
“It’s simple, really,” she shrugs her shoulders all nonchalant. “I stumbled after my fourth wine, straight into his arms. He was hard, and asked if I wanted to go for a walk, and outside near the car, I blew him.”
“He’s your boss?” I remind her.
“I know,” she repeats loudly. “Now, I need to find a new job.”
“He fired you?” Will questions while rubbing his beard.
“No, the opposite. He’s all clingy now.” She pulls her phone up, scrolling through all the DMs. “He slid into my DM’s and hasn’t stopped since. So, naturally, I’ve quit.”
“You quit your job? All because of this?”
Liesel lets out a heavy sigh. “Not just because of this. Aside from him, the job was tedious, and there was no career progression. I didn’t bust my ass in Yale, earning my communications degree to photocopy contracts and serve coffee. I know you’re worried, but I’ve already lined up some interviews in Manhattan. Not sure what I’ll do for living arrangements. It might be Ramen noodles every night until I get myself sorted.”
The funny thing is that Liesel’s parents are quite wealthy. But of course, Liesel wants to make it on her own and refuses to take anything from them aside from her Yale tuition, which is now paid for since she graduated.
“If you’re looking for a job in communications, I can speak to our Human Resources team and see what is open,” Will offers.
Liesel’s eyes light up. “Wait, does that mean you’ll be my boss?”
I throw a pillow at her while chuckling. “Hands off, my man. You’re notorious for being attracted to authority.”
“Explains why your Dad is my ultimate fantasy.”
I shake my head, letting out a groan. “Okay, we’re done with that conversation. Go back to David and your neighbor. Which neighbor?”
“Mrs. Garibaldi from down the hall.”
“The widow with five cats?”
Liesel nods her head. “They weren’t the only pussy hungry.”
The three of us break out in laughter, only managing to calm down shortly after.
“You’re welcome to stay here,” I remind her.
“I promise I won’t cramp your style,” she tells us, a little too eagerly. “I have these new headphones which are supposed to be top of the range noise reduction. I won’t hear a single thing, so you can go at it hard.”
“How about we order pizza because you’re giving Will the green light to go at it hard. He will hold me to that, and I’ll never eat again.”
Will nods with a playful smirk. “You know me too well.”
His phone begins to ring again. I point toward my bedroom, in which he excuses himself. The second he is gone; Liesel practically jumps on me.
“Oh. My. God,” she squeals. “Tell me everything!”
“I wouldn’t know where to begin, so for now, all you need to know is that yes, we are back together. I love him. He loves me. We have amazing sex. The end.”
Liesel purses her lips while placing her hand on her hip. “That was the most uneventful description of what happened. Coffee tomorrow on campus, and you tell me everything, deal?”
“Deal.” I smile.
We ordered the pizzas, all three of us famished. Both Will and I call it a night, leaving Liesel on some dating app which keeps her entertained.
With only the bedside lamp turned on, I snuggle into his arms.
“I’ve got three more lectures this week then I’m officially on summer break.”
“Lucky you,” he muses, toying with the strap of my tank. “I hope that summer break involves staying in the city?”
“Why yes, it does, sir,” I joke playfully. “I’m working for Nikki all summer. It was planned last year. I really want to gain practical experience. There is only so much you can learn in college.”
“Have I told you how proud I am of you?”
I keep my smile fixed. “Hmm…I don’t think so.”
“Well, I am. You’ve chosen a challenging career, and not many people can weather the storm of an undergraduate degree then continue for another four years. You are going to do great things once you graduate.”
“Thank you. To be honest, it feels like a lifetime away.”
“But once you’re there, it’ll be worth the hard work you’ve endured.”
“I guess you would know,” I say, kissing his hand. “I mean, look at you. You’re something else. I know a little bit about the business world to know how well your company is doing. And to think that started with you.”
“Yes, it did. Your father had a lot to do with it,” he resigns.
“Speaking of my father, I promised to visit home this weekend. It’s the only
four days I can get off before work begins.”
I feel him tense in my embrace. “Why didn’t you say something earlier?”
“I’ve been preoccupied,” I admit, slightly annoyed at his anger. “It’s only four days.”
“And you expected me to drop everything to come with you?”
I shuffle in a sitting position, crossing my arms. “Actually, I wasn’t sure where we stood with that and assumed you wouldn’t want to go. But since we’re having this conversation, we might as well say what needs to be said.”
“And that is?”
“I want you to come with me, but I’m not the one angry at my father. The truth is, Will, both of you and need to come to some sort of truce if we are going to work. I’ve done my part. I’ve apologized but also stood my ground with what I want in my future. He knows exactly where I stand and that I love you. But it’s not my job to repair your relationship with him. You need to do that because you want to do it, and vice versa for him.”
“It’s not that easy, Amelia.”
“I never said it was.”
Will rubs his face in his hands, releasing a sigh. “Okay, I’ll come with you but only on one condition.”
I roll my eyes, betting it has some sexual favor attached.
“There is a Governor’s charity ball I am scheduled to attend on Friday night. I’d love it if you can be my date. We can fly out first thing in the morning.”
“A ball? As in, I will be your girlfriend in public?”
“I really despise the word girlfriend.” He cringes.
“Hmm…I’ll have to think about it.”
Will’s penetrating stare falls upon me until he climbs on top and pins me down to the bed.
“You really like to push my buttons? It’s almost as if you like it when I’m mad.”
I press my lips into a hard line. “I have no idea what you’re talking about? If you’re that mad, maybe you need to punish me. I don’t know, say maybe turn me over and fuck me up the ass since that would be the ultimate punishment.”
A smirk plays on his lips. “You’re bad for me.”
I lean forward, sucking his bottom lip. “Some things never change…”
26
WILL
A last-minute trip to DC was not on my agenda today.
In the early hours of the morning, before the sun even rose, I kissed Amelia goodbye intending to head straight to the office. Instead, my phone rang non-stop in the car. It started with our legal team in panic mode over a breach of contract. Then it snowballed from thereon.
I detoured straight to JFK, thankful once again to have a plane on standby. As we begin to ascend, I close my eyes to ease the strain from a stressful morning, tilting my head from side to side with a slight crack to loosen my tense muscles.
The last few days are even better than I could have ever possibly imagined. To have Amelia back in my life is all I ever wanted, and to have her in my bed belonging to only me—the icing on a very delicious cake.
However, with this newly found bliss, we are forced with the reality of trying to make it all work. The drive between Amelia’s condo to the city is tedious and I’d only driven it four times so far. I could have been selfish and asked Amelia to stay in the city, but she had classes and I didn’t want to disrupt her schedule, especially because she is almost done for the year.
I knew Amelia felt the pressure, too, unsure of how we are to make this work. One thing is certain—we both craved each other, and I’ll be damned if I’m forced to sleep a night without her.
The meeting in DC is longer than anticipated. Five days off the grid, and you’d think people didn’t know how to do their fucking jobs. I’m reminded of why I never vacation or spend any time away from work—paying the price at this very moment.
“Listen, Romano, are we doing this or not?”
I tap my fingers against the table as all eyes are on me. With so many things on my mind, I clench my jaw annoyed I’m here doing the job myself when I should be back in the city.
“I’m not satisfied with what is being produced. Your numbers are low, and frankly, I’ve got better things to focus on than you trying to waste my time with a product which isn’t performing.”
“Should we be taking our business elsewhere?”
I raise my brow, amused by his threat. “Please, be my guest. Let’s see what happens, shall we?”
Silence falls over the room as no one else dares to challenge me. When it came to business, I’m ruthless and will not be threatened by anyone. In this case, the Jamison Group needs me more than I will ever need them. The only dark cloud hovering over me is the takeover with Lau. Perhaps, it’s this back-and-forth negotiating and playing the waiting game, leaving me less patient and irritable.
When all is said and done, I walk out of the room without a goodbye and fly straight back to JFK. With barely any time to spare due to a delay on the tarmac, my driver makes a quick stop at the Four Seasons so I can quickly shower and change. Dressed in my black tuxedo, I splash on some aftershave, style my hair, and then quickly head back to the car waiting downstairs.
We pull up to Ava’s apartment where Amelia insisted, I pick her up from. It had something to do with borrowing a dress from Ava because Amelia didn’t quite enjoy shopping. The exact opposite to Ava, of course. I ask the driver to wait while I head inside the building and up to the penthouse suite.
I knock on the door while fixing my cuffs. When the door opens, I raise my eyes to a radiantly beautiful woman who is all mine. My lip’s part to release an appreciative sigh. I fucking missed her, and it’s only been ten hours since I saw her last.
The long-beaded gown she wore is all black, making her emerald eyes stand out.
“You’re late,” she gripes, unimpressed.
I pull her toward me, inhaling her perfume as I place my lips on her neck. “And you are beautiful.”
She lifts her hands to straighten my bow tie. “You scrub up well. I mean, you look just as good naked as you do in a tuxedo.”
“Are you trying to say you want to see me naked right now?”
“Um, can we cue the dirty talk?” Ava yells from the sofa. “My Uber Eats is just about to arrive, although he looks lost. Jesus Christ, Tim, next building over! Anyway, I want to be able to eat dinner without thinking about the both of you naked.”
“You need to get laid,” Amelia shouts back to Ava. “There’s a guy in my class who is single. Really cute and is just your type.”
“Is he your type?” I ask with slight annoyance.
Amelia purses her lips while eyeing me. “My type is jealous billionaires who turn up late for a night out in which they suggested.”
“I’m sorry. I had to work.”
“Of course. Story of my life,” she mumbles beneath her breath.
“Have fun, lovebirds and Millie, send me his Insta handle so I can check this hot nerd out.”
“I never said he was a nerd,” Amelia drags.
“Don’t burst the bubble,” Ava complains openly. “The nerds are the wildest in the bedroom.”
Amelia pulls me out of the apartment and closes the door behind us, eager to leave.
“So, what, you’re friends with this guy online?” I question.
“Yeah, I’m friends with a lot of students online.”
I remain quiet, keeping my opinion to myself, and try my best to cue the jealousy growing inside me. It shouldn’t bother me, but it does. Amelia has a whole other life on campus, with men her own age. This whole age gap issue comes roaring back to life, bringing back my insecurities.
Inside the car, I distract myself by burying my lips in her neck, careful not to ruin her lipstick. My hands wander up the slit of her dress into her panties as she moans while my fingers brush against her clit.
Our heated exchange is interrupted by the incessant ringing of my phone. Out of breath, I quickly check who it is.
“Do you have to answer that?”
“It’s Harry. He is my top executive
.”
She releases a sigh before shuffling out of my grip, turning her face toward the window.
“Harry,” I greet, clearing my throat.
“I’ve got Lau’s team on the line.”
“Now?” I ask, annoyed. “What’s the verdict?”
“Are you seated?” Harry begins, then stalls. “Lau’s final counteroffer if seventy percent share Rockford and thirty Lexed.”
My teeth grind on their own accord while I shut my eyes to try to calm down. “Why won’t this fucker give up?”
“Edwards has agreed, if you do,” Harry reveals, cautiously, knowing this is not the news I want to hear.
My pride is in the way, and under different circumstances, I would have fought this battle until I won. But as I look over at the woman beside me, the reason I breathe, the fight is well over. My energy is pulled toward her, and reluctantly…I call defeat.
“Fine.”
“Fine?” Harry repeats, stunned. “Wait a minute, have I missed something? I thought you want nothing to do with Edwards?”
“Things change.” I lower my voice while hanging my head. “Tell him I’ll sign tomorrow.”
I hang up the phone, but my mood is less than eager to attend a god damn ball after this outcome. The only reason why I’m invited to events such as this is because of the rather hefty donation. The event itself is just people climbing up my ass wanting money for their charities or to invest in their companies.
We arrive at the ball later than the other guests though some are still arriving. The street is still crowded, lined with limousines and luxury vehicles. Flashes are going off right, left, and center. The paparazzi are scurrying around, trying to snap something exciting. I exit the car first, reaching out for Amelia’s hand while trying to avoid anyone photographing us. The last thing we need is for our personal lives to be splashed online.
The grand ballroom is enormous. Its size big enough to hold all of the elite in New York City and then some. The tall ceilings are covered in rows of draped sheer organza fabric, but my attention is directed to the large chandelier hanging from the middle. Its crystals are reflecting light which shimmers on the dance floor.
