Safer Together (The Safer Duet Book 2)

by Amy Rose

  I pull away, in order to clear my head. We then lean in and place our foreheads together. We are both silent for a moment, then to break the silence I ask what I thought would be a simple question. “Why do you attend your Christmas party?”

  He seemed a little taken aback by this, he pulls back a little, our physical contact now broken. He rubs his hand under his chin, thinking before replying, “I don’t see much of them throughout the year. Well, except for Kat and my two foremen who oversee the jobs for me.” He pauses seeming reluctant to speak, “I guess I feel more like one of them at the party, than just their boss, and with you there tonight, I won’t be alone, which is a first for me,” he says. A warmth spreads over my body, I am the first woman he has taken with him to a work function. I feel as though I might be glowing.

  “How many people will be there tonight?” I ask.

  “Around forty or so, I would imagine. That includes partners and us of course,” he replies, kissing the back of my hand. I nod in response, happy with that number. I was expecting a lot more people. After all, Elliot’s company is incredibly successful. I had imagined he would employ a lot more people.

  I am happy to know that it would be like my own Christmas party last night. Not too many people, I should be able to remember several names. In my job I am used to remembering names.

  “Will we be there for as long as you stayed at my party, babe?” I stretch out my hand to stroke his face.

  “Probably a few hours. I pay for a full three-course, sit-down meal for everyone.” I smile. That will allow plenty of time for me to meet everyone. Well, everyone he wants to introduce me to, anyway.

  “As long as it’s not too late of a night. Remember I need to duck to the shops tomorrow to get a couple of last-minute things in preparation for Christmas lunch on Sunday.” I don’t want to tell him that it was last-minute present shopping for him.

  “I promise it won’t be too late an hour,” he replies. “I’m happy to leave at any time if you’re not enjoying yourself. Just let me know and we can head off. Speaking of which, we should make a move shortly.”

  Elliot offers his hand to me which I accept. We walk toward the front door where the car is waiting. After opening the car door for me and helping me into my seat, he closes the door. I take a moment to fix the hem of the dress over my legs, so it falls over my knee. Just as I have the position perfect, he opens his own door and slides in beside me.

  I can’t say why I am feeling nervous. It is similar to the nerves I felt when we went to visit his parents for the first time, and this is only his employees. It isn’t as though I need to impress anyone. I guess, though, I knew why. By stepping out with Elliott tonight at his own staff party, we are confirming to everyone that we are, in fact, an item. The possibility of a photograph of us being taken tonight is high, way more so than last night in a steakhouse. I am once again grateful for the beautiful dress I am wearing, also being here in New York where so many memories that I have are horrible. I hope that tonight will be a night to remember, for all the right reasons.

  I look lovely in the dress Elliot had picked for me. I look like someone who can stand next to this amazingly handsome man and hold her own. I am quickly brought back from my thoughts by Elliot’s voice. “Are you okay, Angie? You seem deep in thought.”

  I turn to look at him. I think for a moment before replying, “I am wonderful. I’m just wondering how I got so lucky.” I give him a full smile and lean in to settle my head on his shoulder. We lock our hands together; I can smell the all-too-familiar male scent of Elliot. He smells like his aftershave, mixed together with soap and his masculine scent that only he produces.

  He smells so amazingly delicious that I know that there is no scent on the planet that could ever compare to Elliot. “You know what? I was just thinking the same thing.” We both chuckle at his response.

  Sometime later we are pulling up to the marina. As I step out of the car, I notice a large boat at the end. In front of it are strings of fairy lights wrapped around the large sign declaring her the ‘Bateaux.’ I turn to my side to look at Elliot who is already looking at me, a smile forming on his lips.

  “Are we going on that boat?” I ask, pointing in the direction of the yacht.

  He simply nods in response, he takes my hand in his, raises it to his lips and kisses it quickly. “Let’s do this, Angie.”

  I stay perfectly still, allowing my face to go totally blank. I need to be convincing for this next line. “Ahh, Elliot, you know how I get motion sickness on a plane?”

  His eyes enlarge. “Crap. I didn’t even think of that. It’s all right, I’ll call Kat and let her know that I’m unwell and they should celebrate without me. I’m so sorry, Angie.” As Elliot retrieves his phone from his pocket, I can no longer keep up the charade. I start laughing. He looks directly at me.

  “You’re incredibly sweet to cancel your own Christmas party because of me, but there is no need. I’m fine on boats, as long as they aren’t out in the ocean in mile-high waves.”

  His lips curl up into a half grin. “You had me going, then,” he pauses leaning his face within an inch of my own. “I would cancel anything that makes you uncomfortable, baby. I’m glad I don’t have to tonight, though, as I’m looking forward to showing you off.”

  As soon as he has spoken that last word, he kisses me, a hard kiss, which is over far too quickly. It leaves my head spinning.

  Thankful to be hand in hand, we walk down the jetty together. The closer we get to the boat, the more I can make out. Other people are already on the boat, drinks in hand, they too appear to be dressed like Elliot and me. Suits and beautiful dresses.

  When we are only a few feet away from the ramp leading us onto the boat I see Kat approaching us. “I think I see Kat, babe.”

  A second later, he replies “I see her too.” He squeezes my hand and calls out “Kat, you look lovely.”

  She smiles in response. “I do enjoy wearing something other than suits on my days off, you know, Elliot.” By the time she has finished the sentence she is standing right in front of us, wearing a beautiful emerald-colored cocktail dress, that is sitting approximately an inch above her knees. Her flame-colored hair sets it off beautifully.

  “Angela, it’s so wonderful to see you again. Love the dress, by the way.”

  I smile in response, thankful once again for Elliot’s choice. “Thanks Kat, you too. That color green really suits you.”

  If possible, her smile becomes even larger. “Thank you. It’s new.”

  Elliot chimes in “Yes, yes, you both look great. Now, where is Drake? Did you leave him onboard?”

  Kat’s gaze moves from me to Elliot. “He sure is. We were getting a drink at the bar when I saw you guys coming so I ducked off to greet you. Let’s go and get this Christmas party started, shall we?” She sweeps her hand in front of us, and then leads us in the direction of the bar.

  As we walk up the slight incline of the ramp and onto the boat, I notice that we have the attention of quite a few attractive young ladies, all huddled together. They all look our way as we walk past, making our way to the bar, where we meet Drake.

  “My man, so good to see you. How’re things in the electronic market?” Elliot reaches out and brings Drake into one of those man hugs. You know, the ones where they slap each other on the back. This leads me to believe that these two must not just know each other through Kat, but are good friends as well.

  “Things are good brother. About to release a new product that will be revolutionary.” Drake throws his hands up in the air and smiles.

  “That’s awesome, man. I hope it’s a huge success for you.” Elliot then takes a couple of steps back from Drake and reaches for my hand. “Drake. This is my girlfriend, Angie. Angie, this is my best friend, Drake.”

  I smile up at Drake “Hey, Drake. It’s nice to meet you.” His smile is warm, friendly and genuine. With jet black hair and gorgeous green eyes, he stands a little taller than Elliot, but not imposing at all. I
like him immediately.

  Drake leans in and gives me a peck on the cheek. “Hi there, Angie, it’s nice to finally meet you, too. I feel as though I already know you, though, with how much this one talks about you,” he says, jerking his head in Elliot’s direction.

  “Oh really?” I reply and begin to laugh softly.

  Elliot holds his free hand up in front of himself, in a defensive position. “All good things, babe, I promise.”

  He gives me one of the most endearing smiles that I have ever seen, one that makes him look even younger. I raise one of my eyebrows at him, pretending I don’t believe him.

  “Back me up, Drake.”

  Drake walks up to his friend and places his arm around his shoulders before turning back to me. “It’s true, Angie. It was all good things. Honestly, I feel as though I already know you with how much he goes on about you.”

  I squeeze Elliot’s hand that is already in my own. “Well then, as long as it was good, I guess that’s okay.”

  We stand in a huddle at the bar for a while together. Kat points out a few key members of the team when they come into view. Mostly, though, we just stand by our men while they talk technology. It turns out that Drake is working on some new computer program that is a backup fail-safe for banks. One that overrides all other security codes and measures if there is a break-in. Listening to him speak about all this techno mumbo jumbo, he sounds really smart.

  Throughout the night I meet lots of people. I am introduced to one of Elliot’s foremen, Michael. An older gentleman, still with a full head of hair and a beard, with more salt than pepper tones. A real estate agent named Shaun; he keeps an eye out for properties in the New York area that suit Elliot’s needs. He looks to be a few years older than me; he is cleanly shaven and going bald on top.

  I am introduced to several of his office workers and their partners, not really catching any of their names, though.

  We later sit down and enjoy the three-course meal. Alternate drops, similar to what you would be served at a fancy wedding. We sit with Kat and Alex along with another couple, Samuel and Melanie; Samuel is Elliot’s office manager, overseeing everything that happens while Elliott is away on business, his wife Melanie, a registered nurse who works at a private hospital in Manhattan.

  After dessert, we all leave the table. Kat and Drake in search of the bar and Samuel and Melanie are trying to locate one of the builders who is doing some remodeling on their own home.

  Elliot leads me out onto the back deck of the boat and pulls me close to him. My back leaning against the hard muscles of his front, his arms wrap around the tops of my arms in a hug, we are the only ones here. “Are you enjoying yourself?” he asks.

  I nod, knowing that he can see and feel my response. “It has been a lovely evening, Elliot.” I shift my face slightly to kiss the top of his arm. We look out at the water, enjoying the relative darkness and privacy when I hear the door behind us open, a voice calls out.

  “Hey Boss, thanks for a good night.”

  I feel my body stiffen at once, as soon as I hear that voice. I feel myself start to sweat, even though the night air is relatively cool. Elliot unfolds his arms from me and walks over to the man who had come out to see him, I hear the sound of two hands slapping as they connect in a handshake.

  “Dylan, how’re things?” I don’t need Elliot’s confirmation of his name to know who that voice belonged to. I knew that I would never forget that voice, and here is that proof. Even after all this time, it feels like only one day and not years that have passed.

  I take several unsteady steps forward, closer to the railing. It might look as though I am trying to gain a better view out at the water, but I am heading there for another reason. I need to hold onto the handrail to steady myself. I’m shaking by the time that I walk those few steps and am immediately glad to hold onto something solid.

  I try to control my breathing, one deep breath, followed by another, and another. Hoping with everything that I have that it is just a giant coincidence. That the voice belongs to another guy named Dylan, that it wasn’t who it sounded like. While I’m concentrating on inhaling oxygen, I’m not paying attention to the conversation unfolding behind me, that is until I hear Elliot call out to me “Angie, sweetheart. Won’t you come meet my foreman, Dylan?”

  His foreman. Of all the people in New York he could work for, he works for Elliot. Before I can think too much about it, not wanting Elliot to think that I am ignoring him, I reply adding as much honey to my voice as possible “Absolutely, I’ll be right over.” I take a couple more deep breaths, closing my eyes, willing myself to calm down. Opening them again, I plant a fake smile across my face and turn around, locking my eyes with Elliot’s, out of the corner of my eye I see Dylan standing there. I walk straight to Elliot and into his open arms. I wrap my arm around his waist and look up at him maintaining our eye contact.

  He leans down and presses his lips to my forehead for a moment. When he pulls back, I turn to Dylan with the fake smile still present on my face. “Hi, Dylan.” I look directly at him, not letting him see the fear he still instills in me. I can see the surprise on his face register when he realizes who I am.

  After all, I am no longer the timid, blonde-haired girl he used to push around for fun. “Angie” he starts, “Angela White?” His voice is laced with shock, disbelief, and wonder.

  “That’s me,” I reply. I then turn to Elliot who is looking between the two of us, trying to determine the connection between us.

  “I’m going to head inside and find Kat and Drake. Come find me when you’re ready, baby.” I lean up on my toes to kiss his cheek and then I whisper in his ear “I can’t be here. Sorry.” I then turn and walk back inside.

  I have to find a bathroom, preferably a private one. I need somewhere to fall apart without anyone watching. I walk past a group of ladies I had been introduced to earlier in the evening and return their smiles.

  “Won’t you join us, Angela?” a tall brunette asks as I walk past.

  “Absolutely, I’ll be back in a jiffy.” I don’t stop as I reply, instead I keep going, not wanting to be stopped again before I make it to the ladies’ room.

  Once inside the room, I check to make sure I am alone before I let myself relax slowly. “Shit, shit, shit, shit,” I mutter under my breath and smack my hands on the vanity top. “God freaking dammit!” I shake my head from side to side, slowly, while looking at myself in the mirror.

  I know that I have to pull myself together and appear as though nothing had fazed me, especially in front of Elliot’s employees. I know that there will be questions on the ride home and that I would need to tell him the truth. He already knows that I had an abusive ex and his name was Dylan. He just doesn’t know that the abusive ex I had told him about is his foreman Dylan.

  I pull my lip gloss out of my bag with unsteady hands and apply a thick coat to my lips, mainly to give my hands something to do. I then run my forefinger under both eyes to remove the small amount of mascara that had left itself there from the tears I didn’t notice had fallen.

  I was proud of the way I handled myself out there. I didn’t run away. I was polite, and I didn’t make a scene.

  As I prepare myself to walk back out, Kat ducks her head in the door. Once she sees it is me, she comes into the bathroom and locks the door behind her. “There you are. Are you all right? Elliot asked me to look for you when he noticed that you weren’t with us,” she asks.

  “I’m fine. I’ve just had too many drinks tonight.” I smile and give a half-hearted laugh while throwing my thumb over my shoulder pointing at the toilet.

  “Ahh, I know that feeling well, in fact….mind waiting for me?” she wanders into the stall.

  “Sure.” I’m glad to see that my excuse is believable.

  Once Kat has washed her hands, she unlocks the door and we walk out together. Waiting just outside is Elliot, leaning casually against the wall. Relief washes over his face when his eyes meet mine.

  “Found h
er.” Kat smiles at me and wanders away.

  “Angie, are you okay?” Worry dripping off his voice, he holds out his hand to me and I take it at once.

  “Of course,” I reply, he pulls me into his arms and hugs me tight. Being in his arms makes me feel safe, like nothing in this world could ever hurt me.

  I feel his lips brush against my hair and then he speaks “We are about to dock back at the marina, I’ve rented the boat until midnight, so some of my employees and their partners are staying until then but I’m happy to head off as soon as you are ready to go.”

  I pull out of his arms just enough so I can look at his beautiful face. I nod, “Yes, please, Elliot, I’m ready to leave.”

  He smiles back down at me. “Sounds good to me, baby. Let’s go say goodbye to Drake and Kat.” He releases me from his hug and we walk hand in hand, back towards the main room to find his friends.

  ~ Chapter Seven ~

  Angela

  After locating Kat and Drake, we say our goodbyes, wishing them all the very best for Christmas. As it turns out, they are heading off to Washington tomorrow to spend the holidays with Kat’s family.

  Taking my hand in his own, we begin our descent, finally stepping off the ramp. Exiting the boat at last, we begin the short walk towards Price, who is awaiting our return. I see him exit the SUV and stand on the side closest to us. As we get closer, I see a row of yellow taxi cabs pulling up in the drop off lane, they must have been called from the ship for other disembarking passengers.

  Once we are about ten or so steps from the car, someone from behind us calls out to Elliot. He turns around relinquishing my hand so he can provide his full attention. I feel sudden gratitude to this person, who I don’t recognize, for momentarily distracting him.