by Amber Lacie
"Here comes your knight in shining armor.” I shoot her a dirty look. The boy with the sunglasses pulls me to my feet. I start brushing the sand off me, when someone calls for him. I think it's his dad. He's always in a suit and he's always so angry.
"Tomorrow," says the boy with the sunglasses. Blushing, I nod my head and smile at him. I wave goodbye as he runs back up the beach to the man waiting for him. I watch him walk away and suddenly I feel so lonely.
Chapter 9
There is an awful sound screeching in my ear. It takes me a moment to realize it's my alarm. I try to roll to shut it off, but someone's legs and arms have me trapped. I gently nudge his arm off my waist, and slide his legs to his side of the bed. Turning off my phone, I head to the kitchen. I am in desperate need of coffee, especially starting work so early. It doesn't take me long to finish the accounts I brought home. I close up my laptop and head for the shower.
My thoughts are an unorganized mess as I'm in the shower. I'm nervous about work. I hope I'm making the right decisions with Theron. The thought which captures my attention the most is my dreams about the boy with the sunglasses. I have a feeling I know him, but I can't tell if they are memories or dreams. I finish my shower and get dressed for work. I'm definitely distracted this morning. I'm finishing breakfast when Theron graces me with his presence. Wrapping me in his arms, he spins me around. I gently brush his arms off of me. He's going to wrinkle me, and I want to look my best for work today.
"What's gotten into you today?"
"I woke up alone and I didn't like it. I came out here to find you."
"You've found me, but I need to get to work. Did Paul bring my car by yesterday?"
"Nope. He will tonight when Kayla and he come by for dinner."
"What? You invited them to dinner? What am I cooking?"
"Nothing. I'm going to make dinner since you've decided to slave away at the office today. I will be holding you accountable for desert though." He slides his arms around my waist, softly kissing my neck just under my ear. I shiver. "Mmmm, I love the way you react to me."
"So do I, but I really need to get to work. My new boss doesn't seem like the forgiving type."
"If you have to, but remember I offered let you stay here with me. We can have wild and crazy sex most of the day."
I kiss him on his cheek. "Most of the day?"
"We need to eat and I'm not a machine, woman. Now get your demanding butt to work." He smacks my ass and spins me around. I blow him a kiss as I walk out the door. God, I love this man. The thought slams into me. Love? Am I that consumed by him? I can't deny my attraction to him, the way he my skin feels when he touches me, or the way he fills my thoughts. I need him. I do love him. I decide to keep it to myself. I am not ready to admit it to him yet. I roll my shoulders and start the car. Turning on the radio, I focus my thoughts on the words playing through the speakers.
There are only three other cars in the parking lot when I pull in. I recognize Kayla's and Ben's. I'm not sure who the other belongs to. I can only hope it's not Ms. Clarks. I barely make it to my desk before Kayla rushes over to me.
"What the hell is going on?"
"Ssh. Kayla, you'll get us both fired." She sits on my desk and crosses her legs. Picking up one of my pencils, she taps it with her fingertips. She's obviously not going anywhere.
"I'm gone for one week and everything has turned to shit. They sold the company? What's with our new boss?"
"You mean the blonde bitch? She hates me. I have no idea what's going on with the company. We had a meeting yesterday, but they didn't talk about anything in detail. Ms. I have a rod up my ass Clarks did inform us that there will be changes in staff though. She made it clear, she's not afraid to fire anyone if necessary. Now get off my desk, before she sees you."
"Okay, okay. Don't get your panties in a twist. Why didn't you tell me any of this?"
I push her off my desk. "If you would respond to my texts you would have known. Now get out." I practically shove Kayla out of my cubicle. I do not want to start off my day off on Ms. Clark’s bad side. Logging into the program, I get straight to work.
"Ahem. Eve, Ms. Clarks would like to see you now."
Looking up from my computer screen, I find Ben standing with him arms crossed over his chest. He looks so smug in his fake suit. His sleeves look so tight I'm afraid the seams will rip open. One day he's going to resemble the Hulk ripping through all of his clothes. Too bad he doesn't look anything close to the Hulk, he's more like the Staypuff Marshmallow Man. I hope a pen explodes in his pocket later. Karma owes me one. I give Ben a snarky smile and head to Ms. Clarks office. I knock on the door.
"Come in."
Walking in, I notice she has wasted no time in making herself comfortable. I can't tell this office was ever Sharon's. She even rearranged the furniture.
"Have a seat, Ms. Davidson."
Yesterday I was Eve. Today I'm Ms. Davidson. I don't take this as a good sign. I sit down in the leather chair in front of her desk. Is this chair new?
"Ms. Davidson, I can see that you are easily distracted."
"What? No. I'm sorry I was just admiring what you have done with this space." I swallow and wipe my palms on my legs. I'm so nervous. How did she get this position? She has to be close to my age. I wonder who she knows.
"If this was an interior decorating business, I might be inclined to listen your opinion. However, it's not. We are an accounting company. Your job, is to simply input data for the accounts on your schedule. It's not difficult. It's not a hard job. Even Ben seems to be capable, and I doubt his capability at most day to day life functions. I noticed you finished your schedules from yesterday. I would like you to know, it's appreciated. Perhaps next time you will see to finish them in a more timely fashion, for instance on their scheduled day. "
"Yes, I'm sorry." I'm seriously gnawing at my cheek. I might need plastic surgery after today.
"That being said, I would like to start over with our business relationship. I can come off quite abrasive. Ben has informed me you are quite the social butterfly around here. While, Ben may have given me that information to cause you some trouble, please know I found his kiss up attitude more than unbearable. I would like to make friends here at this office and I think you are the right person to help me do so.”
I must look like a deer in headlights. I'm completely frozen and have no clue how to respond. I thought she hated me, but she wants me to help her make friends. This seems like such an odd request.
"It's alright. You don't have to be scared. Our business relationship would stay that way. It's just I don't get out often, and being only twenty-eight I would like more of social life. Being an old maid with cats, is not my cup of tea." She smiles sweetly at me looking so sincere.
"Um, Kayla and I normally get lunch together on Fridays. Would you want to join us today?"
"That would be lovely. I normally take my lunch around noon. Would that work for you ladies?"
"We normally take lunch at one, but I'm really hungry today. We could go earlier if you'd like, Ms. Clarks."
"Great. Wonderful. Please inform Kayla of our plans. You may go. Oh, and Eve please call me Bridgette"
I push my chair back and turn to walk out of the office, trying my best to smile. That was so awkward. I head straight to Kayla's desk and plop down on it.
"Hello? I'm working. Get your ass off my papers."
"Ms. Clarks wants to have lunch with us." I spit it out quickly trying to rid my mouth of the awkward taste.
"What are you talking about?"
"Ben came up to me and told me Ms. Clarks wanted to see me. I head to her office thinking she's going to fire me, but I'm not even close to being right. She says she wants more of a social life and has decided I would be the right person for the job. I didn't know what to say. I mentioned how you and I get lunch on Fridays and now she's coming with us, except we are taking lunch at noon instead of one. Plus, she wants me to call her Bridgette" Twirling the ends of my hair, I
stare right at Kayla. She better not back out on me.
"Wait, she asked you? You are the least sociable person I know. I mean you live in books. Well, you did until you decided to live with Theron's dick." She grins at me.
"Kayla! We are not discussing any of that right now. Our boss is coming to lunch with us, so you better behave!" I smack her shoulder.
"So his dick is the reason you moved in with him."
"Oh my, God. On that note, I'm out."
"Eve, the only way you can come out is if you're a lesbian. Is there something you're not telling me about Theron?" She yells at me as I flip her off and walk back to my cubicle. “Just so you know, I'd love you either way!"
She's impossible. I'm now dreading lunch. I fiddle around on the computer for an hour or so. I made sure to finish all of my work, but now I have nothing to do. I watch the clock as it slowly ticks away. Ten more minutes. Five more minutes. Three more minutes. I'm greeted by Kayla standing by my desk.
"You ready or what? Where are we eating?"
"I don't know maybe we should ask." I grab my purse and walk with Kayla to meet up with Ms. Clarks. We all agree on a café around the corner and decide to walk since its close. The hostess seats us and the waiter promptly takes our orders. I'm enjoying a cold glass of lemonade. Nobody has spoken a word since the waiter left. I'm trying my best to avoid eye contact, but it doesn't work for long.
"So, what do you ladies do for fun?" Bridgette is sitting across from Kayla and me. I thought the meeting with her was awkward earlier, but this is worse. Kayla is playing with her straw and looks at me as though I'm the only one Bridgette is talking to.
"Nothing really. Kayla has a boyfriend and I like to curl up with books." I shrug my shoulders. Maybe if she thinks we are boring, we can drop this let's pretend to be friends act.
"Wonderful. How long have you been together?" Bridgette looks right at Kayla. I am now saved from any conversation. The waiter brings our meals and we have a lovely lunch. I get away with only saying one word sentences since all the focus is on Kayla. I'm drinking my lemonade when I get a sharp pinch on my thigh.
"I'm not the only one with a boyfriend. Isn't that right, Eve?"
I give Kayla the look of death. It's like she is pushing me into oncoming traffic and waving at me from the sidewalk. I guess it's only fair since I did it to her. "Yeah, um, I have one too." I kick Kayla under the table. I hope it hurt.
"That's right. I remember now. You were driving his rather expensive car the other day. What is it that he does?"
I kick Kayla again and she pinches my leg under the table. Oh, it's on. "He works for a business merger company. It's not a large corporation yet, it's just in the beginning stages. It's nothing compared to the law office Paul works for. Didn't he just make partner, Kayla?" I smile sweetly at her and she eyes me down. Once again the conversation is back on her and I'm in the clear.
We end up taking a longer lunch than normal, but Bridgette doesn't seem to mind. As we walk back into the office, Ben is waiting for us. "About time you two made it back. You're lucky Ms. Clarks is in a meeting, or I would have to let her know of your infractions." He makes a disgusted face as he looks up and down. I don't say a word as I move to the side and Bridgette comes in behind us. The look of shock on his face is absolutely priceless. I would sit through a hundred awkward lunches if I was rewarded by this exact expression of his every time.
"What infractions?" Bridgette has her hand on her hip and raises her eyebrow towards him. It's obvious she finds him irritating. I find immense pleasure in her scowl.
"They obviously were late coming in from lunch. They have schedules to keep." He's so incredibly smug.
"Ben, their schedules are of no concern to you. Their whereabouts do not concern you either. For your information, they were my lunch meeting. We were discussing matters concerning this office. Oddly enough your name was mentioned, nothing good has come of it thus far. I wouldn't push matters if I were you." Her voice is professional and firm. Ben is sweating, his fear obvious. "Ladies, thank you for your help with this office. I can tell you will be highly valued employees." She smiles at us and rolls her eyes at Ben as she walks away.
"You heard her, Ben. Go screw off somewhere."
"Kayla!" I grab her arm and pull her towards our cubicles. She needs a filter to stop every thought from coming out of her mouth. "Can you please, just for once, be nice?"
"Why? He's a jerk. I know it, you know it, and its obvious Bridgette knows it. Perhaps a little blunt honesty might help him change his attitude." She sticks her tongue out at me before taking a seat at her desk. She's so mature.
The rest of the day races by. The company has installed in-office chat boxes on our program. Bridgette sent an email detailing how they were to be used appropriately to the entire office. It was followed by another email sent only to Kayla and I stating ours are marked as management. Ours will not be monitored, but we are responsible for reporting and indecencies made by other employees. Kayla is enjoying this freedom, but I'm leery. I feel like a paid rat. At five o'clock, I pack up my belongings and head home. I could definitely use some time with Theron.
Chapter 10
I absolutely love driving this car. It's so quick and handles like a dream. I'll have my car back tomorrow. This is the last time in the driver's seat, so I enjoy every bit of the drive home. I pull up into the drive and I notice a black Lexus parked in front of the main house. I really hope it's not Theron's dad or someone else who will upset her. I felt so awful for her last night. As I step out of the car, I notice a man is walking to the Lexus while speaking with Theron. The man shakes Theron's hand and slides into his car. Theron waves at the man as he drives away.
Theron must be lost in his thoughts. He doesn't notice me approach him until I encircle my arms around his waist. "Who was that?" I kiss his back and he turns to look at me.
"Oh, Eve." He grasps my face with his hands and I stare straight into his gorgeous eyes. "I needed you today, and you were so far away."
"I wasn't far away. I was just at the office."
"I know, but I couldn't reach you. I couldn't feel you. I needed you." I softly press my lips to his. If he needs to feel me, then I'll let him. He returns my kiss and then places another one on my forehead. "I went to check on Gram today. I thought maybe she would like to get some lunch with me, but I couldn't find her. I yelled for her and she didn't answer. I found her laying on the library floor. I immediately called her doctor."
"So that's who that man was?"
"Yes. She hates doctor offices so he makes an exception for her and does home visits."
"Is she okay?"
"She says she just lost her footing, but the doctor and I disagree. I'm not sure what happened, but I don't believe for a minute she tripped. He wanted her to be seen at his office, so he could run some tests, but she refused. She's so stubborn." He runs his hand through his hair, and my favorite lock of hair makes its presence known by gracing his forehead. I gently brush it away before burying my face in his neck.
"I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do?"
He wraps his arms around me and runs his fingers up and down my back. "No, I just need to relax. I can't force her to do anything." I nod my head and kiss his neck. "That's it. I can't take this anymore. I need to feel you. We are going inside." He picks me up by my waist and I wrap my legs around him. He's determined and I'm not stopping him. I really need to feel him too.
He plops me down on our bed. It seems crazy to think of it as ours. We’ve only known each other for a short time, but that’s what it is. It’s ours. He starts trying to take my jacket off, but the sleeves get stuck. He's flustered and I start laughing. He pulls on my sleeve again, but it won't budge. "Stop laughing at me woman. This is an emergency. Take off that damn jacket, in fact I want you to take off everything right now before I find scissors and start cutting them off." I look up at him to find his smile, but he's serious. He wouldn't really do that would he? Turning, he starts to rummage throug
h the dresser drawer. I don't know what he's looking for, but I'm not taking any chances. Pulling my arms out of the jacket, I quickly shed my clothes, tossing them onto the floor. I scoot back on the bed laying on the pillows against the headboard.
"There. Found them." Turning around, he dangles a pair of metal handcuffs from his finger. What the hell? My arousal comes to a complete halt. I slightly shake my head no. My heart is slamming in my chest. Is he really planning on using those? "Don't worry they aren't real. They are props from a Halloween costume I wore last year. They don’t even need keys." He kneels one leg on the bed. Sitting straight up I try to scoot back, but I have nowhere to go. Theron grabs my ankle with free hand and pulls me down the bed towards him. I'm lying on my back as he crawls over me. "Wrists." I don't move. I just slightly shake my head no. "Would I hurt you?"
"No?" I meant it as a statement, but it comes out as more of whispered question.
"Would I hurt you, beautiful?" Softly grasping the side of my face with his hand, he drags his thumb across my bottom lip. I part my lips and suck his thumb into my mouth swirling my tongue around it. "Answer me honestly, beautiful. Would I hurt you?"
Looking deep into his eyes, I know he would never do anything to intentionally hurt me. I don't answer him with words instead I raise my wrists into the air. He pushes my arms back above my head clasping the cuff onto one wrist and then the other. I'm not watching his hands, my eyes are locked in his gaze.
He leans down placing soft kisses on my neck. His breath tickles my ear as he whispers, "Good girl." An intense feeling crawls up my body starting at my toes. He makes me feel brave and so incredibly sexy. I wiggle underneath him. "Keep them there." Standing, he slowly pulls his shirt over his head never removing his eyes from mine. I watch as he undoes the button of his jeans and pushes them to the floor. His boxers are tented from his erection, and I'm desperate to see what's under them. "Like what you see?"
"Yes. I need to feel you."
He pulls his boxers down as I lay there aching for him to touch me. I can't take his teasing much more. He knows exactly what he is doing to me. "You want to feel me. That's good because, baby, I plan on feeling you come hard and fast on my cock. I needed you today. You weren't here so now your punishment is my reward. You can't touch me, but I can touch you."
