Letting Go

by J. M. Witt

  Just a little more pressure. I started rocking into him needing more and I carefully felt him add a second finger. The inevitable spiral began to unfold inside me. “Oh God, I’m close.” He began flicking my clit and humming against it. His fingers pumped a little harder and it set me off. I started to buck against him, but he held me down and found my breast. He was pinching a nipple, sucking my clit and pumping me as my body exploded with pleasure and I screamed out his name. My toes were even tingling. He was a god. How was it possible to be so good? I didn’t care. He continued working me until I was twitching all over and pleading with him to stop.

  

  ~ JAMES ~

  She was absolutely beautiful and a more giving lover than any I’d had, and there had been a lot. She liked it rough, whether she knew that or not was the question. I wasn’t looking forward to being away from her for so many days. What’s wrong with me? Cassidy was what was wrong. I should have run in the other direction that first night I saw her at the bar. She was a witch and I was definitely under her spell.

  She was still coming down from her orgasm and twitching against the sheets. Her hands were clenched on my head, trying to pry me off her. Once her breathing slowed I peeled myself out and off of her. I swung her legs into her bed and climbed in next to her. I grabbed the covers and laid down with her, rolling her to her side as I curled my chest around her back. She was mumbling incoherently as I held her, soothing her until I was sure she was sound asleep. I kissed her head before I left.

  I made my way back to the hotel and packed my suitcase. Dad and I tried to visit with Mom at least once a month and I hadn’t seen her in several weeks. Dad mentioned that it wouldn’t be long now before we had news. Everything was packed and by the front door. I headed to bed for a few hours of sleep before I stopped in at the office.

  

  Sleep was pointless. I made it into the office by seven a.m. Jennifer came in as I was going through my emails.

  “James, you’re here early. I wasn’t expecting you this week.”

  “Morning, Jennifer. I just wanted to check on a few things before I leave. The jet’s on standby.” She nodded in understanding. “If Miss Charles from B & C calls this week please get her anything she needs.”

  “Yes, Miss Charles. She’s a lovely girl! No problem, James.” She headed to her desk just outside my office and got to work.

  I set my automatic reply in my email before I shut down my computer and packed up my laptop. As I walked out of my office I set a box down on Jennifer’s desk. “Please see this is delivered by courier today. See you next week.”

  “Sure thing, James. Give your mother my love.”

  I nodded as I head to the elevators. The doors opened and Cal was standing there in his uniform screaming into his phone. He flew right by me and headed to Jennifer’s desk. “I’d like to see Mr. Benedict.” He put the cell phone back in his pocket.

  “I’m sorry, sir, is there a problem?” Jennifer was looking at me, expecting me to make my escape or to intervene. Cal was looking all around, completely oblivious that I was who he was looking for.

  “Officer Charles, I believe you’re looking for me.”

  He turned and glared at me, unaware he had just walked by me. “Mr. Benedict. Yes, a moment of your time, if you don’t mind.”

  “Jennifer, call Smith and let him know I’ll be down shortly.” I walked back into my office as Cal followed and motioned him to sit on the couch, then I shut the door behind him.

  “This won’t take long.” I set my briefcase down and turned to him. He had closed the distance between us and was pointing his finger in my face. “Stay the hell away from my sister.”

  I moved away and sat down on the other couch across from where he stood and ripped my hands through my hair. “Calvin, if you’d calm down and give me a moment to explain; I think I deserve at least that.”

  He was battling with himself as he took a few strides before sitting down across from me. There really wasn’t much of a family resemblance except for their eye color. “Talk.”

  “Officer Charles, or can I call you Calvin?” I was goading him when I knew I shouldn’t. If I had a sister I would have been fuming mad about her dating me, too.

  “Officer Charles will do. What the hell were you doing at my sister’s place?”

  I raised my eyebrows at him. I knew he didn’t really want the answer to that question.

  “Dammit, that’s not what I meant. Stay away from her.”

  “Officer Charles, calm down. I know what you must think.” I let out a deep sigh. “I’m not who you think I am. I care deeply for Cassidy. There are some things you should know.”

  

  ~ CASSIDY ~

  “God dammit, Cal. CAL?!” Shit. I couldn’t believe he was doing this. I was on my way to the office and had to pull over. I tried dialing James but he didn’t answer, so I called Lena who answered immediately.

  “Lena, can you get me the number to Benedict Holdings, I can’t find it in my phone. No, not the hotel, ok thanks.” Once the text came through I dialed the number and headed back into traffic.

  “Benedict Holdings, Jennifer speaking.”

  “Jennifer, its Cassidy Charles. Yes, I know, ok, that’s not why I’m calling.” Shut up lady! “Did a tall blonde cop just walk in, by chance? Yes, shit, ok. Umm, no I’m on my way.” I disconnected the call and threw my phone down on the passenger seat. I started hitting my steering wheel while shouting, “Shit, shit, shit! Damn you, Cal, you overbearing ass.”

  I pulled up to the office building more than twenty minutes later in sheer panic. I had no idea where to park, forgetting about the underground garage. I hoped and prayed they both still had their teeth. I glanced across the street and saw Andy doing valet at the hotel. I squealed my tires as I did a U-turn and pulled into the valet at the hotel.

  “Miss Charles, nice to see you.” I threw him the keys without a word and dodged a few cars while I ran across the street.

  I was greeted by the security desk and a man in uniform I didn’t recognize. I asked to see Mr. Benedict and in return got a suspicious look at my request. “Jennifer is expecting me.” He got on his phone and pressed a couple of buttons. A short moment later he hung up the phone and pointed to the elevator while he mentioned I needed to go to the 23rd floor, unaware that I already knew that. I could only imagine what threats Cal used to get past the security desk.

  It seemed like forever before the doors opened to the floor I sought. I rushed out and saw a desk with a woman in her fifties sitting behind it. “You must be Miss Charles?” I nodded as I recognized her voice. I started looking around in a panic. “Dear, you look like you’ve seen a ghost, are you ok?”

  “Yes, I’m fine. Is James still here?” She waved toward his office doors, doors that were closed. For the first time I noticed his name on the door. Jackson James Benedict III, God that was a mouthful. I looked back to Jennifer who motioned me in. Hesitantly I pushed on the door. The scene that greeted me had my stomach turning. What the hell was going on?

  They were both sitting forward, opposite each other, laughing. Cal spotted me first and jumped to his feet. “That’s my cue. James, it was a pleasure.” James stood and they shook hands. “I’ll see you on Friday.”

  I was dumbfounded. What had just happened? Cal kissed my cheek and whispered, “He’s one hell of a guy, sis.” I was staring after him as he left.

  “Morning, Cassidy.” I turned to James who was smiling like he knew the best kept secret in town and was waiting to see what I would offer to find out what it was.

  He gathered up some papers from the coffee table and put them in his briefcase before he turned back to me. My hands were on my hips and I was utterly baffled.

  “What the hell is going on?” I was genuinely concerned and he just shrugged his shoulders and strode over to me.

  “Your brother likes me. He’s a smart guy.” He pulled my hands off my waist and brought them to his lips. He kissed each in turn.
“Cassidy, you’re going to be late for work.”

  “I’m already late. I thought for sure I’d walk in to a brawl. What did you say to him?”

  He pulled me close and kissed my nose. “I told him the truth.”

  “Which is?”

  “The truth.”

  “For the love. You seem quite pleased with yourself.” He kissed me chastely. “I thought you were going out of town?”

  “Smith is waiting for me downstairs.” Our hands were entwined as he held them behind my back, leaning into me seductively. “Did you sleep well?”

  I blushed immediately and smiled. “You know I did. When did you leave?”

  “Late. Let me walk you out.” We headed out of his office and past Jennifer after he grabbed his briefcase. Her head was buried in her work as we entered the elevator. He pulled me tight against him. “You in an elevator with me, tsk, tsk, tsk.” He bit my ear and I giggled as I grabbed onto his suit jacket. “I can’t get enough of you, lady.”

  “Good, that means you’ll keep coming back for more.”

  He jerked back and looked at me, “Always!” The doors opened and he was all business again as we walked out the front doors. “Where’s your car?” I pointed across the street. He laughed as I explained my parking dilemma. He waved to Andy who responded by hopping in my car and driving it over. “I don’t want to jeopardize your job. I’ll be in touch.” He embraced me and kissed me deeply.

  I was vaguely aware of Andy’s reaction after he pulled my car up. When James was done kissing me, Andy acted like he hadn’t seen a thing. I then saw James’s Rover pulled up behind my car and a man in black shades was standing by the driver’s side door. He simply nodded to me.

  “That’s Smith.” I mouthed ‘oh’ as James shuffled me into my car. He leaned down, “Think of me.” He kissed me again as he ran his hand up my leg before buckling me in. He cupped me gently and I clenched my thighs around his hand before he quickly pulled away.

  “You’re the devil,” I glared at him. He smiled, closed my door and I drove off once I’d regained my composure. It was going to be a long lonely week. Thank God work would keep me busy.

  

  ~ JAMES ~

  I watched her drive off and then climbed in next to Smith before he headed to the airport. Cal was more than receptive to what I had told him, more than I thought he would’ve been. He was a little shocked and said that Cassidy should know, but he would let me handle that. It couldn’t have gone any better, really. It was going to be a long week. Friday couldn’t get here soon enough.

  Chapter Thirteen – Revealed…

  ~ CASSIDY ~

  I walked into work thirty minutes late. Lena rushed into my office asking, “Everything ok?” She handed me my coffee.

  “All good. It’s still warm.”

  “I ran it through the microwave.”

  “Thank you, Lena. Is she here?”

  “Not yet, you’re in the clear.” I plopped into my chair, relieved by her words. Though Cecily was late to work on numerous occasions, she didn’t appreciate tardiness from her employees, and she always seemed to be on time on the days we were late. The joys of being the boss.

  “Have we collected all the auction items for Friday?” Lena sat down at the other side of my desk as we dug into work.

  A couple hours later, we were both on calls; Lena was on her cell and I was on my desk phone when Linda came in. She dropped a package on my desk, and behind her, a pair of legs carrying a massive bouquet of peonies walked in. I ended the phone call and couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face.

  “Flowers for Miss Charles.” The delivery man poked his head from behind the floral arrangement.

  “That’s her!” Lena chirped as the flowers were placed on my side console. I came out from around my desk and signed for them. “They’re beautiful. Who are they from, Cassidy?”

  “Thank you.” The delivery man made his way out, followed by Linda who was scowling at me. The old bag needed to get laid, I thought as I opened the card.

  Blackbird,

  I’ll never forget our firsts.

  Miss me.

  XO ~J

  “Well?”

  Blushing, I examined the peonies closer. The bouquet was a mixture of purple, pink, red and blood red peonies with some greenery. They were stunning. I closed my office door before taking my seat. “Lena, this has to stay between you and me.” I’m not sure why I even bothered to preface the conversation with that statement. One great thing about Lena was her ability to keep a secret.

  She was squealing with delight. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw you in the office with him. O.M.G. Cassidy. He’s a big fucking deal! A big fucking hot deal!” Her enthusiasm was contagious and I started laughing with her. “Does Cecily know?”

  “She saw us dancing at the masquerade on Friday and said we needed to talk. So I’m not really sure.”

  At that same moment, Anthony barreled through my door and threw a newspaper down on my desk. Anthony was Cecily’s PA, gay, black and wonderful. He and Lena were the closest people to me since I lost Holly.

  I didn’t normally pay attention to the papers, especially the society pages. Anthony lived off them. I picked up the paper and examine the picture.

  “What the fuck?” It was a picture of James and me at the ball. We both had our masks on, but the caption read: JB3 MYSTERY WOMAN! “JB3?”

  Lena and Anthony both said in unison, “Jackson James Benedict the third; JB3!”

  Realization hit me like a tidal wave. James is JB3? This was bad. “Oh, holy hell.” I may not have paid attention to all the society pages, but I knew who JB3 was. Millionaire playboy, new girl every week, bachelor extraordinaire. I heard Lena and Anthony talking about him all the time. I really knew how to pick them.

  “Holy hell is right, girlfriend. If the picture was in black and white no one would know it was you, but in color, giiirrrl. You can’t hide that mane of red hair. And since when are you and JB3 a thing?” He spotted the bouquet and read the card. “XO, J? Giiirrrl! Caught you a big fish with that one.”

  My head was in my hands and I could feel the headache coming on. “Fucking hell.”

  “Mmmhmmm, hell fucking him, I bet it’s more like heaven.” Lena immediately started cracking up as I turned fifty shades of red. “NOOO? I was kidding. You’re sleeping with JB3? Honey, do tell! It’s time for lunch anyway. Let’s go!”

  Anthony was right, it was time for lunch. I grabbed my bag as Lena, Anthony and I headed to the Coney Island down the street. I filled them both in on the way.

  By the time our lunch arrived I had spilled the beans including our run-ins at The Blue Horse from the summer. I spared no detail except for some of the intimate ones.

  “What am I going to do? He’s JB3. I don’t know if I can handle this.”

  Anthony was fanning himself. “Honey, if you don’t want to handle that, I will!” We all started laughing. “Please tell me he’s got a little dick. I don’t think I can bare it knowing he’s that good looking and hung.”

  My face gave me away without any hesitation. I hate that I do that.

  “Damn. Giiirrrl, you hold onto that with both hands, literally.” Then he winked.

  We went back to eating as I pondered all the thoughts running through my head. He could have any girl he wanted, he was so far out of my league. Anthony asked me what was wrong. “Um, I’m me and he’s, well, JB3! I’m from a blue collar family and he’s not. He’s high society. This is a disaster waiting to happen.”

  Anthony grabbed my hand. “Girl, you a catch. You’re real, not some fake society bimbo. Has he given you any reason to doubt him?”

  “It’s been three and a half days. He’s gone out of town or at least that’s what he’s told me.”

  “What does your gut tell you?” Lena was asking now.

  “I believe him.”

  “Then leave it. He comes with some high toting baggage, but you can’t let that define your relationship. Girl
, you deserve this.” Lena agreed and I was feeling better.

  After paying our bill we headed back to the office. Anthony’s phone started buzzing. “She’s baaack!” We all quickened our pace knowing Cecily was waiting for us.

  We walked in to see Linda scowling again, “Cecily wants to see you and you.” She pointed at Anthony and me. We both sighed as we made our way to her office.

  Her door was open and she was standing by her desk finishing up a phone call. She waved us in and motioned me to sit. Shit. She ended the call and barked a few orders at Anthony before sending him off.

  “Close the door, Anthony.” He gave me a sympathetic look before closing the door.

  She took her seat, then a sip of her water and stared at me. I hated when she did that. Finally she spoke. “Great job on Friday.” I visibly relaxed as she smiled. “Stop doubting your talent, Cassidy. You’re great at what you do.”

  “Thank you. I’m grateful for the opportunity.” She continued staring at me before shuffling a few things around on her desk. She picked up a paper and put it in front of me so I could see. It was the picture from the ball of James and me. “Oh, God.”

  She chuckled. “If you’re looking to bring attention to yourself, he’s the quickest way to do it.” All I could do was shake my head. “I don’t really care what’s going on, but keep it separate. I don’t want this affecting your work. You have a promising career ahead of you. Stay smart, Cassidy.”

  “Absolutely, of course, Cecily. Thank you for understanding.”

  We went over a few more work related things before I went back to my office. I scrolled through my email hoping for some worthwhile correspondence, but there was none. I spotted the box at the end of my desk that I had forgotten Linda put there because I was distracted by the flowers. There was no return address, just my name and B & C on the label.

  It was a good sized box. Opening it, I discovered another box with Frida’s labeled on it. What the hell? Suspiciously, I opened it up and pulled back the pink tissue paper. Several pairs of satin underwear, bras, and camisoles greeted me. I didn’t see a card and began looking for one when Lena popped her head in. I slammed the box shut, but not before she saw it.