I looked down, running my finger along the edge of the sheet. The memory of Sophia’s words rattled through me. She’d sent me on this journey, and she’d threatened the validity of what Blake and I had. I hated her for it because she didn’t believe we’d survive if I knew Blake’s past. I wanted to prove her wrong in every way.
“I don’t know what was worse, listening to the terrible things she said to me or feeling like I was in the dark about your past.”
He toyed with a strand of my hair. “No more secrets.”
I looked up, hopeful. “Promise me.”
“I promise.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The next couple days were filled with preparations for the sale. We broke the news to James and Chris, whose shock was soon followed with support. The decision had been made swiftly, and the execution of it was right on my heels. Everything was happening so quickly, a circumstance that made it easier to quell the anxiety we all seemed to have around the impending transition.
I was days away from signing a piece of paper that, to the rest of the world, meant that the business as we knew it no longer belonged to us, but to Alex Hutchinson. A seasoned businessperson, a mogul, a man with vision we could only hope aligned with ours.
When Alex walked into the office on Friday morning, the air was heavy with anticipation. An edgy energy rippled off him as he sifted through the papers we had to sign. The past couple times we’d met in person, I couldn’t get a read on him. Then again, I didn’t know him that well. He was Blake’s colleague more than mine, until recently.
Focused on the logistics of making the sale transition, I skimmed over the documents I’d already reviewed numerous times. Dozens of papers passed between us. I signed them all with trembling hands, trying to ignore the emotion tingling in my throat.
Maybe I was allowed to be emotional this one time, but I couldn’t bring myself to lose it. I still had to work with Alex, and I wanted him to believe I was stronger than I sometimes appeared. I’d made this decision on my own. I’d written this chapter, and I wasn’t going to end it in tears, at least not in front of him.
Then it was done.
The whole process took less than five minutes. I dropped my well-used pen and sat back. Alex held out his hand, the tension around him seeming to ease, the colleague I’d been used to shining through again.
“Congrats, Erica.”
I shook his hand firmly. “Thank you.”
“The funds were wired this morning, so they should hit your account sometime this afternoon.”
“Thanks. I’ll keep an eye out. Um, do you want to grab lunch or anything?”
He checked his watch. “I’d love to, but I have another meeting to catch this afternoon. Let’s touch base on Tuesday though. I’ll give you a ring. I have a few ideas I want to run by you.” He collected his copies of everything and stood to leave.
“Okay,” I said, feigning excitement, but I was already anxious about any impending changes that would be beyond my control from here on. I stood and showed him out.
The door shut behind him, and I gazed at the Clozpin logo etched into the glass. A rush of emotions hit me at all once. Relief, excitement, terror. I struggled to process the magnitude of what had happened in such a short span of time. My whole world shifting. Placing my trust in the hands of a man I hardly knew. I reached for faith and hope, believing along with Alli and Sid that this was the right decision for us, as hard as it may have been to make. I closed my eyes. Somewhere in the swirling of my mind and heart, I might have registered regret, but I pushed it down.
* * *
I’d come home early to catch a nap before the big night out with the girls. I was eager to celebrate. Too much on my mind might make the champagne flow more freely, but I’d earned a little reprieve from the epic week I’d had. Navigating Blake’s intensity, selling my business, and dodging reporters thanks to Richard. I needed my girls. Some laughs, some drinks, and some memories to remind me I was twenty-two.
I took a shower and dressed for comfort. Sifting through outfits, I tossed a few options into my bag. We’d agreed to meet at Simone’s, so I would have to consult with Alli and dress there. Plus I didn’t want Blake to see me all decked out yet. I wanted to surprise him. I also didn’t want him going all over-protective on me before I could get out the door.
I heard the door open and close. I shuffled out to the kitchen to find Blake. “What are you doing home so early?”
“I had some shopping to do.” He set a plain brown paper bag down on the counter, a deceptively innocent look on his face. “I wanted to catch you before you left.”
I lifted my chin, trying to peer into the bag. “What’s in the bag?”
“We’ll get to that in a minute.” He moved it out of my view. “How did things go with Alex?”
I sat down on one of the stools. “Good, I think.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “You think? What does that mean?”
I shrugged. “It’s done. I guess I thought it was going to be more climactic. It was over in a matter of minutes. Just like that.” I snapped my fingers.
“That’s usually how it goes.”
“Good to know I didn’t miss anything, then.” I still couldn’t believe it was done. The extra zeros on my bank balance had made it a little more real, but the whole week still seemed like a dream. Maybe tomorrow I’d know what to think of it all.
Blake raked a hungry look over me, distracting my thoughts. “Is that what you’re wearing?”
I glanced down at my outfit and pursed my lips, feigning offense. “You don’t like it?”
He hooked a finger over the band of my pants, snapping them back. “Yoga pants and a little T-shirt? You look hot, but I doubt this will pass Alli’s bachelorette party dress code. I should be so lucky. What are you really wearing?”
I clucked my tongue. “Did you really think I was going to let you have final approval on my outfit?”
“I could always demand it.” He pulled his bottom lip between his teeth.
I shook my finger at him. “Uh-uh. You’ll have to wait and see.”
He glanced over the bag. “I was hoping to make one small addition to it, actually.”
I lifted an eyebrow. Intrigue fluttered through me. I liked Blake’s surprises. “Oh?”
“You could even call it a gift.”
“Is it sparkly?” I teased.
He smiled broadly, revealing his teeth. “Funny you should mention that.” He reached into the bag and retrieved a plastic package.
I came closer to get a better look. He opened it and revealed a clear plastic toy, with a faux diamond shimmering at the end.
I wrinkled my nose. “You bought me an anal plug. How romantic.”
He laughed loudly at that. “I thought so. You can wear it tonight. Then no matter how much fun you end up having without me, you’ll still be thinking of me.”
“A pain in my ass. How appropriate.”
His eyes narrowed. Curving a hand around my nape, he pulled me against his chest. His lips melded over mine. I moaned until, sucking my lip into his mouth, he bit down.
I yelped, flinching back. He brushed his thumb over the sore spot.
“Watch your mouth.”
I glared at him, but he only smirked.
“Come here.” He led me back to the bedroom, sat on the edge of the bed, and patted his lap.
No way was lodged somewhere in my throat, not able to emerge from my slightly swollen lips. Instead my legs moved me forward. I stopped in front of him and stood between his legs.
“You’re serious about this.”
He rubbed up the outsides of my thighs, massaging his path. “You’re going to be out in the city without me. Very likely drunk and dressed to kill. I don’t want you forgetting all about me.”
“How can I ever forget about you? You’re all I ever think about.” The sting of his earlier wound was forgotten, overwhelmed by the indisputable truth.
Satisfaction swirled in his eyes.
“Now this will guarantee it.” He patted his knee, a reminder to comply.
I stiffened in place. “I don’t think I can’t do this, Blake.”
“Yes, you can. It’s easy. It could be easier if I tied you up though. Would you like me to?”
Maybe.
Instead of testing his resolve, I lay over his lap. A slow moving hand slid up my thigh and traced the band of my pants. Swiftly he moved them down with my panties, baring my ass and upper thighs. I tried to breathe normally. I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of my embarrassment, but it was almost impossible to control myself. I heard the unromantic squirt of lube. I braced myself, flinching when his hand came down on my ass with a light slap.
“You have a pretty little ass. I’m so enamored with your tits, I might be neglecting it a bit.”
I closed my eyes. “I have a feeling that’s not going to be a problem soon.”
“I have a feeling you’re right,” he said without humor as he spread my cheeks.
My teeth came down onto my sore lip when one well-lubricated finger breached me. I couldn’t believe I was letting him do this. I took a deep breath and tried to think of something else.
A merry-go-round. The Wizard of Oz.
Anything but the pressure of the cool plug slowly making its way into my body. I tensed, squirming away when it probed deeper.
“Stay still.”
I gripped the comforter. When Blake had shown me the toy, it looked small enough. Sparkly and innocent. Cute almost, much like the fashion accessory he pretended it was. Now it felt enormous in the narrow passage trying to accommodate it.
I sucked in sharp breath. “It’s too much, I can’t.”
“Almost there, baby.”
My face heated, and I almost cried out when the widest part cleared and relief swept over me. I relaxed, tension leaving my body. Thank God that was over.
“How does that feel?”
I tensed around it, noting the pressure in my pussy. “I feel full.”
“Perfect.”
He patted my ass again and slid my pants back up. I stood up awkwardly, coming to terms with my new accessory.
I sighed, resigned to my fate. “Do you have any more presents for me before I go?” My words were a mix of sarcasm and distant hope. Maybe I could get an orgasm for the road.
He seemed to read the dark thought. A growl hummed from his chest and he pulled us down to the bed. I rested over his chest and kissed him softly. He pushed my hair away from my eyes.
“Be careful tonight. Don’t do anything crazy.”
“I know you think I’m unpredictable, but I’m not the crazy one in this crew.”
“I know. Don’t get too drunk, because I need you conscious for what I have planned tonight.” His eyes glimmered with unspoken thoughts.
I bit my lip and swiveled my hips, trying to connect my clit with his thigh. He was already hard beneath me. “Can I get an advance?”
“I want nothing more than to have you stay and play, but Alli has her plans. She’ll come barging over here if I don’t give you up.”
On cue, my phone dinged with a text. It was Alli, requesting the shoes I’d borrowed for the club the other night. I got up and searched for them in the closet, acutely aware of the plug with every casual movement.
“I can’t believe you’re making me wear this all night.” Desire was already pooling in my belly. I wasn’t anywhere near drunk or debauched, and my skin was prickling with awareness.
“Don’t you dare think of taking it out.”
I tossed the black heels into my bag. “Wouldn’t dream of it. Anyway, I should head out.”
Blake stood and reached for my bag. “I’ll drive you.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I want to. Plus, I want to make sure my care package is there.”
“Care package?”
He grinned. “You’ll see.”
Blake and his surprises. I rolled my eyes and followed him downstairs to the Tesla.
A few minutes later we were pulling up to Simone’s apartment. Simone was wearing a backless dress that hugged every ample curve. Fiona, who was always the picture of class, wore tight black jeans and a strapless top that revealed her delicate frame.
“Erica!” Alli’s initial reaction was a mix of disgust and reproach. “You are not wearing that.”
I laughed, tossing my bag down. “No shit. You think I was going for a night out on the town and not making you dress me?”
She shook her head and poured a glass of champagne for me. “Here. You drink. I’ll primp you.”
As she disappeared into the bedroom with my bag, James walked out wearing only a towel around his waist. Simone whistled and plastered a lusty kiss on his lips.
I turned away, stealing a look to Blake. He didn’t look concerned. In fact, a smug smile tugged at his lips. “What?”
He nodded to James. “Looks like the care package is here.”
I frowned.
James approached when Simone released him from her clutches. “Sorry. Girls have been hogging the bathroom.”
Blake shook his hand. “Keep your dick in your pants and we’re good.”
James rolled his eyes. “Right. Anything I need to know before we head out?”
“Just don’t let her out of your sight, and when they’re ready to go home, call me. I’ll come pick her up.”
“Alli has a limo.”
“I don’t care. I’ll collect her myself.”
I waved my hands between them. “Excuse me. When did this all get worked out? This is a bachelorette party. My bachelorette party. No boys allowed.”
I swiveled to find Simone leaning against the couch, listening to us bicker. She shrugged, tossing back the last of the champagne in her glass. “Talk to Blake. We already tried negotiating.”
I returned my glare to Blake.
“There’s no way I’m unleashing these girls on you without someone on hand to stay sober and make sure no one gets hurt.”
“We’re going to drink too much and dance until we pass out. No one is getting hurt. I don’t need a freaking bodyguard.”
“You are not passing out, as previously discussed. And you do need a bodyguard. Do I need to remind you of your propensity for finding yourself in dangerous situations?”
I groaned. “Whatever.”
“Here, wait.” He caught my hand before I could turn to leave. He pressed a small wad of bills into my palm.
“What’s this?”
“Fun money.”
I tilted my head and tried to pull away but he didn’t let go. “I’m flush with cash now, Blake, remember?”
He smirked, brushing his thumb over my wrist. “I insist.”
“Whatever,” I huffed.
“No strippers,” he said firmly.
I laughed. “You really need to stop making rules and get out of here.”
“I’m serious, Erica.”
He released me and I turned with a wave. “Me too. Goodbye.”
I disappeared into the bedroom to find Alli. I heard James and Blake talking for a few minutes longer before the door shut.
I let out a sigh of relief. I wanted to let loose tonight. I wanted to be free and have fun. I was pretty confident James wasn’t interested in ruining our fun, but Blake’s meddling never failed to grate on my nerves. Fiona and Simone joined us, and we talked over which club to hit first.
By my second glass of champagne, I’d nearly forgotten about James and Blake entirely. Alli twisted my hair up into a sexy, messy up-do and applied heavy makeup to my eyes and cheeks, leaving my lips nude and glossy. I slipped on a simple number, a strapless hot pink sheath covered in black lace. The tiny dress showed off every asset, and I was grateful all over again that Blake wouldn’t see me leave in this.
I was definitely looking forward to coming home in it though. The thought reminded me of the plug. I fought the heat creeping into my cheeks.
“You okay?” Fiona asked, her eyes far too innocent
for the truth of what was making me blush.
I fanned myself, trying to get hold of my body’s rioting. “Yeah, I think it’s the champagne. It’s warm in here.”
Simone opened a window, mercifully closing the subject.
Darkness fell before we finally headed out, but not before Fiona decorated all of us with sashes bearing our titles, as bride-to-be and bridesmaids. She tucked a tiara that could not have been made of more than two dollars worth of plastic into my hair.
“Perfect. Oh wait.” She fussed with it a minute more until it began lighting up, red and white lights. “Now you’re perfect.”
We laughed and James took our pictures. Then the five of us piled into the limo. A bubble of happiness grew in my belly being surrounded by my friends. Even James, who had become a loyal friend despite our ups and down. Simone cranked up some music, and before long we were laughing and shouting over each other.
“James, you’re going to have so much fun babysitting us,” I teased, nudging him with my elbow.
He smiled and looked out the tinted window. “I have little doubt.”
We drove until the limo dropped us at the club. Alli led us to a booth reserved for our party. We ordered a round of drinks and watched the club fill up.
Out of the masses, a cute blond bartender approached again, balancing a tray of shots, enough for each of us. His gaze lingered on Fiona. She reddened and toyed with her diamond hoop earrings.
“What’s this?” Simone reached for one of the shots.
“The lady up there ordered these for you.” He gestured to the upper level. The club was smoky and I couldn’t place who he was referring to.
Alli leaned over the tray, her nose wrinkled. “What are they?”
Simone tossed hers back and dropped it back on the tray with flare. “They’re yummy.”
He cleared his throat. “Um, they’re called ‘shit on the grass’.”
Simone grimaced.
“What?” Alli studied the shots, their green liquid settled aptly over the brown. “Who sent them?”
I looked past the man, squinting until, through the lighting and crowds of people, I settled on a familiar face. Fucking Sophia. She sat at a high-top bar table on a platform overlooking our VIP sofa. Our eyes met and she offered a small wave, a conceited expression set on her face. I glared at the bartender, momentarily hating anyone remotely connected with her.
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