by C. L. Roman
She stared at me, pausing. I supposed it was my turn.
“You are strong. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. My life wasn’t a walk in the park either. We each have a different story to tell. Some come out the other side better than others.”
Our knees touched. I took her hand in mine and placed both on my lap.
“Guess I’m going to talk about it after all.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I know. But you were right when you said it goes both ways.”
She offered me a warm smile.
“I may have come from money, but it wasn’t an easy ride. You saw my father once, with some bimbo he probably picked up an hour before at a bar. I’ve seen him with a variety of them over the years, each one younger than the last. He’s never tried to hide them from me or Davey, didn’t respect us enough to keep his trysts quiet. My mother, may she rest in peace, couldn’t handle his infidelity. She threatened to leave him on multiple occasions, but my father refused her, saying it would never happen on his watch because they didn’t have a prenup. He wasn’t about to give up half of everything he owned when he was having his cake and eating it to—and why should he have? He had a family, money in the bank, and women on the side. It didn’t matter to him that his blatant and overt disrespect for my mother affected me and Davey as much as it did her. He was the perfect role model as far as what not to do, other than his work ethic. That I have the utmost respect for.”
“I guess both of our dads could learn a thing or two about loyalty.”
“In regard to my mother, that’s true. As far as being a present father, in that respect he has been nothing but loyal and dedicated to helping me and Davey succeed and get ahead. Same with his employees. He is a great boss, but that doesn’t cancel out how badly he treated my mother, who was the most amazing woman. She would have really liked you.” I could almost picture my mom’s beautiful smile and big blue eyes, and the way her shoulder-length hair would invariably curl up on the ends by day’s end. It touched my heart. I choked back the emotion that surfaced whenever I thought about her. Fuck, did I miss her.
“I bet I would have liked her as well.”
Abby didn’t mention the fact that I sniffled or bring attention to my watery eyes. She remained quiet by my side with her hand stroking the back of mine.
“When they first married, neither of them had anything. They started the company together with a small loan from a bank. Who would’ve thought it would turn into what it is today? I don’t think either of them did. Well, like your mother, my father is also selfish and doesn’t like to share. When it came to him fucking around with other women, he told my mother to endure without complaint. Real nice, huh?”
She sat tight, taking it all in.
“She gave him an ultimatum—me and Davey had to receive equal shares in the company so we’d never have to worry financially or else she’d go to a lawyer and begin proceedings, knowing my father wouldn’t want his reputation tarnished. Once Davey and I hit twenty-six, we inherit our shares, and the rest will remain public.”
“It sounds like she had a rough life. Would it be too much to ask what happened to her?”
“She died in a car accident. Brake failure.” My muscles tensed. Abby continued to caress my knuckles, and her lips turned down. I hoped she could pick up the vibe I had going that insinuated my father had had something to do with my mother’s tragic death, though my brother and I would never have a definitive answer about it.
“That’s awful. I’m so sorry.” The genuineness in her expression matched her tone.
“It is what it is. Davey and I made our own agreement. When he joins the company in a few years, the two of us together will own more shares than our father. My old man never thought ahead on the significance of that, that Davey and I might also have brilliant business sense. Well, we do. At that point, changes will be made. I’m all for developing land, but there’s more to it than simply doing so for earning potential. Sure, it’s smart to invest wisely. Take this piece of property Foley and my father are fighting over. Obviously, the higher bidder will win. I don’t know why Foley is wasting his time trying to manipulate my father’s decision. It’s not going to happen. My father will get that piece of property, and when he does, he will build a community center on that plot of land. I want to take it one step further by putting services in the center that the residents in the area could benefit from, such as an affordable health clinic, therapy services, tutoring services, afterschool activities to keep troubled youth off the streets—you know, things like that.”
“You are the most amazing man I have ever met. I’m in awe by how you fell into my life so easily. Jessica told me earlier that when things seem too good to be true, they usually are. I feel like you are, Gabriel.”
“No. I have my flaws, same as everyone else. But, like you, I want to help others. You want to help your sister. I want to help on a larger scale because I can, and I’ll have the financial means to do it. Both of us want to make a difference. It doesn’t matter that we come from different backgrounds or how big or small the act is. The motivation behind our intent is what counts, and I think in that respect we are exactly the same.”
She climbed onto my lap, cupped my cheeks, and kissed me. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her in closer. I lowered her into a reclining position, my knee resting between her slightly parted thighs. She slid her hand through my hair.
During our morning lovemaking session—or I should say, sessions—things had been tender and soft. Our current interaction became anything but. Clothes were shed and tossed aside. My naked body rested over hers. My thigh became damp while stimulating her clit. That was my green light to proceed, and I did. The no-condom thing rocked. I couldn’t get enough of the skin-to-skin contact, especially when it was Abby’s against mine.
We used each other’s bodies to anchor ourselves. Her legs enveloped me. I wanted something different, craving more control. Speaking about my father had put me in a foul mood, and I felt the urge to release some steam.
She pouted when I deserted her gloriously nude body but turned that frown upside down the second I took charge and maneuvered her into a standing position. I bent her forward, instructing her to prop her hands on the couch. Her gorgeous ass in front of me all but begged for my cock—well, in my mind it did, her pussy too. What a fucking sight. She had curves to the heavens and robust, full hips. Each breast was a juicy handful, her waist slim, her toe and fingernails well-manicured and covered in soft pink polish, her long hair a glossy tortoiseshell color, eyes big and expressive. She was my very own Venus, a goddess in my eyes.
For the most part, I’d preferred women with a bit of meat on them. Abby was the filet mignon. Scratch that—she was Japanese Kobe beef. My father had taken me and Davey to Japan several years back and showed us everything there was to see, and we’d tasted all the delicacies the country had to offer, that particular beef being one of them. Abby’s flavor was just as succulent, if not more.
Holding her hip with one hand, my other hand lined things up. My knees began to quiver from overexertion, but I didn’t give a shit because my cock was having the time of its fucking life.
I slammed into her. The noises our skin made crashing into each other only took me higher. I reached underneath her and palmed her clit. I figured she’d need some frontal action to take off, and boy did she.
“Gabe!”
Her body shook. I locked myself in place, burying myself in her warmth. Her inner walls pulsated around my cock. I shot out into her, emptying myself, coming to an interesting realization: for whatever reason, I suddenly felt full, whole, as if Abby was the missing link I’d been searching for.
“Oh my God…that was incredible.” She breathed heavily, panting over the couch.
My softening dick slid out of her, and I wiped the mess with my hand. I kissed her back then went to the bathroom to wash up. She followed me.
“Should we shower and get dressed for dinn
er with your father?”
Yes! Her question meant she’d agreed to come. Foley was going down, that son of a bitch.
Chapter Thirteen
Abigail
“It’s so nice to see you again, Abigail.”
Could I feel any more uncomfortable? At least Gabe’s father hadn’t brought a slutty date with him. From what Gabe had told me, the odds weren’t against it.
“You as well, Mr. Harcourt.”
I sat across from him, Gabe in between us, at the table for four in the quaint Italian restaurant. The waiter approached to take our beverage order.
“Scotch and soda.”
Gabe and I chose non-alcoholic beverages, in contrast with his dad.
“Gabe has filled me in on your situation.” Edward studied my face after making his statement.
“There’s more.” Gabe jumped into the conversation. “That dickhead called Abigail’s agency and told them she was stealing cash from him.”
His father shook his head. “Why am I not surprised? Well, his loss is my gain.” Huh? Why is that? “I’m sorry he sucked you into his deception. He is a dishonest, horrid man.”
From what Gabe had told me about his father, those words described him as well, at least in regard to Gabe’s mother—not that I’d ever voice that thought.
“I guess he and I went into our agreement with the hope we’d both get what we wanted in return. Sadly, it didn’t work out that way for either one of us.”
“Don’t feel sorry for Foley, Abigail. I doubt he’s shedding a tear over your situation with your sister.”
Vulnerability swept through me that this man knew so much about my personal life. Who knew how detailed Gabe had been when he’d spoken to his dad about me? Hopefully, he’d only given specifics about the most important part—the fact that nothing physical had ever taken place between me and Foley.
“I admire your values.”
Say what?
Gabe scooped my hand into his and held it on the table. “I do too.”
Now both men had me confused.
Gabe clarified. “You did what you felt was necessary to help a family member. That takes loyalty.”
“A quality that is hard to come by. It also takes guts.”
“Thank you?” I said to both men questioningly. I was utterly shocked by how the two of them were turning what I viewed as a negative into a positive. The tension began to leave my body.
“I asked you to join me for dinner tonight because I’d like to make my own deal with you.”
Bam! The tension was back with a vengeance, my hand squeezing the circulation out of Gabe’s.
Gabe fixed his attention on his father, as did I.
“What kind of a deal?”
I was glad Gabe took the floor and posed the question, because I could barely breathe.
“First and foremost, did you sign a non-disclosure agreement with Foley?”
I slowly exhaled then replied. “My contract was with the temp agency. It stated that what transpired in offices I was placed in should remain there, if that’s what you mean.”
“How about conversations that took place outside the office, at dinners and such?”
My heart fell into the pit of my stomach. “To be honest, I don’t mean any disrespect, but I think for now I’ve made enough agreements.”
“Life is all about making agreements and comprises, Abigail.”
His father was tough as nails, no warmth emanating from him whatsoever. Our dinner had turned into a business meeting. What had happened to all the talk about me being loyal with good values?
“I’m sorry, but I don’t think it’s ethical to disclose information I heard when I worked for Mr. Foley, in or out of the office.”
“Ah, the loyalty thing. I get it and I respect the hell out it. Did Gabe explain to you my plan for developing the land I want to purchase? The land Foley keeps driving the price up on because of his desire to outbid me on it?”
“Yes. Gabe mentioned you want to build a community center.”
The waiter brought our drinks and set them in front of us. “Can I take your order?”
“They have great lasagna. That’s what I usually get when I come here,” Gabe informed me before handing the waiter his menu.
“Okay, I’ll try it then.”
“Two lasagnas, please.” Gabe ordered for both of us.
“Make that three.” His father held up three fingers. “And a Caesar salad to start.”
“Make that three as well,” Gabe added.
The waiter disappeared, reappearing a minute later with a basket of fresh garlic rolls.
“These are amazing. Would you like one?” Gabe held the basket in front of me. He was so polite. I separated a roll from the others and placed one on my plate.
“Thank you. Would you like one?”
He nodded, so I ripped another one off and put one on his bread dish.
“I’ll take one too.” His father held up his small plate and I gave him a roll as well.
“Mmm. These are delicious.” The warm dough and garlic melted in my mouth. Breath mints would be a necessity later.
“Right?” Gabe took a bite of his.
He was so cute. I found myself falling deeper and deeper for him the more time we spent together.
“As you were saying, that is correct—my goal is to build a community center. Do you know what Foley’s plans for the property in question are?”
Crap. And here I’d thought the waiter’s interruptions and the yummy garlic rolls had distracted Edward from our Foley conversation.
“I recall him saying something about adding more apartment buildings and possibly some retail stores.”
“Good luck on that one. The land we are speaking about is zoned as special use. That’s neither retail nor residential. He’d have to petition to get the entire property rezoned, and he’s off his rocker if he thinks the county is going to rezone that land for more residential properties that aren’t needed, especially when they don’t benefit the residents in that area. Tenants in his buildings are paying a premium. As an aside, Foley and I have argued over properties before. I always win. I think he’s only upping the price to screw me. He knows it will be too much work to get that property rezoned and there’s no guarantee it would even be approved.”
He had me there.
“I want to give the people in that area something they can use. A community center fits the bill. It’s the perfect option for them.”
“Services offered at the community center would be an even better option for them. That’s what would benefit them the most,” Gabe interjected.
“I already told you, the project is yours—that is, once I own the land. You can build it out however you see fit.”
Gabe rubbed his hands together. “Good deal.”
“It is a good deal. I’m merely after the property and want to build a community center on it. Whatever you choose to put inside it, knock yourself out. After hearing all this, Abigail, what are your thoughts now about giving me information about Foley?”
“First of all, I’m not sure what information I have that would be beneficial to you. Second, can I ask you how you intend to use the information I provide you with? That is, if I decide to provide you with any.”
He tipped his chin and glanced at Gabe. “You picked not only a loyal one, but a smart one, too. Good job, son. You’re very wise, Abigail. It takes lot to impress me, and you have successfully done so.”
His compliment thrilled me because I was still grappling with the idea that he knew about my agreement with Foley, so to speak.
“I’m just tired of going back and forth with the man. I want to get the show on the road, move forward with purchasing the property, but Foley is in my way of doing so. If there is something I can hold over his head to make him back down, I’ll take it. That’s what I plan to do with the information you provide me with.”
A big part of me wanted to screw Foley over, in the same manner he was trying to sc
rew me over. In truth, though, I didn’t think I had anything of value to offer Mr. Harcourt that would make Foley step back. Well, I did, but I didn’t know how comfortable I felt providing that information.
“And what about my safety? I’ve now lost my job and he is making up lies about my character, saying I stole money from him. No disrespect, Mr. Harcourt, but I can’t play hardball with the man the same way you can.”
“What exactly did you do for him?”
My face must have paled. “Excuse me? Nothing ever happened between me and Mr. Foley.”
Edward chuckled. “I’m not referring to that. I’m curious about your job responsibilities in his office.”
Sweet relief. My muscles were confused as to whether to tense or relax during this dinner. It was a frickin’ roller coaster of emotions.
The waiter brought our salads and placed them in front of us.
“I answered phones, typed letters, sent emails—basic secretarial tasks. As I told you, I also attended business dinners and such with him.” Telling him about Foley taking me to Hilltops would never happen in this lifetime.
“May I ask if you are a college graduate?”
Is this man interviewing me or something?
Under the table, Gabe placed his hand on my thigh and squeezed it. My eyes met his. He gave me a slight nod, indicating I should answer his father’s question. Damn, this was intimidating. I didn’t think I’d be able to eat my dinner because I had so much acid churning in my stomach.
“Yes. I have a degree in marketing. I had a job after I graduated college, but the company closed its doors. With bills to pay and no income coming in, a temp agency was the perfect solution until I found a more stable and permanent position.”
He nodded, obviously absorbing my words.
“Since you are now unemployed, what would you think of coming to work for me?”
My mouth fell open, and Gabe’s did as well.
“Excuse me? You want me to work for you?”
“Not specifically for me, per se. I already have a secretary, but you have a marketing degree and we have a marketing department. Based on everything we’ve spoken about so far this evening, you are the exact type of candidate we look for when hiring new employees. Remaining mum about what took place in Foley’s office and at dinner meetings even though he’s trying to screw you over shows me your character. Loyalty is hard to come by in the workplace.”
