by A. L Long
“Hello, Sweetheart.”
“Hi, Daddy.”
“So what is new and exciting in your world?” he asked.
“I started my new job yesterday. It is so great, Daddy. The people I work with are all so nice, and I have a great salary, and they even provided me with an apartment. Well, at least as long as I stay employed with them,” she said with excitement.
“That sounds wonderful, Dylan. Have I told you lately how proud I am of you? If I haven’t, I am.”
“Thanks, Dad. It really means a lot to me.”
Dylan talked to her dad about her duties at work and what she was working on. She didn’t mention anything about Rade. She was afraid if she told him how happy she was and how she was beginning to have feelings for him, she would jinx her happiness and something bad would happen. Just like when she told her dad about being engaged to Michael. It was shortly after she told her dad that he was gone.
“I’m almost to work, Daddy. I got to go. I love you.”
“I love you too, sweetheart.”
When Dylan arrived at her building, she felt kind of empty inside. She really did miss her dad. She was going to make a point to see him once she was allowed time off and could afford a plane ticket. Her dad lived in South Carolina now. When Dylan started going to college, he couldn't bear being alone in the house they all shared. There were too many memories. Not bad ones, but every room in the house reminded him of what he lost. So he sold their home and bought a small house in Beaufort. It was close to the ocean so he could go fishing whenever he wanted, at least when he wasn’t working.
Once in the office building, Dylan spotted Sam right away. “Hey, Sam.” Sam smiled at Dylan. Dylan loved the way he smiled. His cheeks would get all puffy like marshmallows.
“Hi, Dylan. I have something for you.” Dylan walked over to the security desk and watched Sam pull a package from behind the counter. “It came for you this morning.”
Looking at the package, Dylan couldn’t tell who it was from. “Thanks, Sam, have a good day.”
Dylan wasn’t expecting any deliveries, but maybe it was something from Rade. He was the only person she could think of who would be sending anything to her. Entering the elevator, Dylan began shaking the box. It wasn’t very big, but whatever was inside must have been very well packed. She couldn’t hear anything move inside when she shook the box. It piqued her curiosity, but she didn’t have anything to open it with. She’d have to wait until she got to her office.
When the elevator stopped at her floor, Dylan was surprised to see that Alex wasn’t at his desk. She went ahead and walked through the frosted double doors to her office. She popped her head into Veronica’s office and waved “Hi” since Veronica was on the phone. Entering her own office, Dylan placed the package on her desk and began searching for scissors so she could open the box. When she got the box opened, she saw another box inside. It was white with a black ribbon wrapped around it. Opening the small white box, Dylan wasn’t sure what to make of it. Inside was a small gold charm. It looked to be some sort of Japanese symbol. Dylan wasn’t sure who it was from, but it was beautiful. It had to have come from Rade. No one else would send her something so beautiful. Dylan didn’t want to disturb Rade since he would be in a meeting this morning, so she sent him a small text. Thank you for the beautiful charm. What does it mean?
*****
Rade was just wrapping up his meeting with his overseas investor when he received the text from Dylan. Looking down at his phone, he was puzzled by her question. He didn’t buy her anything. Why would she think that it came from him? Once Rade got to his office, he needed to call her. Gathering his notes from the meeting, he headed to his secretary’s desk. “Good morning, Gwen.” Gwen had worked for Rade for a long time. She was an older woman with a slight trace of gray hair framing her round face. Quite attractive for her age. Gwen looked up at Rade with a smile. “How are the details for the benefit coming along? I know it’s still a few months away, but I want to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.”
Gwen answered with excitement. She loved planning the annual event. “Everything is coming along splendidly, Mr. Matheson. I have made all of the necessary arrangements for our out-of-town guests, and I had a nice suite arranged for you at The Ritz in case you needed it.”
Rade never had to worry about things getting done. Gwen was very efficient. The annual charity event was his baby. It was the most important event of the year. It was for juvenile heart disorders. Rade formed it shortly after he graduated from college. It was named “The Broken Heart Foundation” in honor of his brother Isaac.
Just as Rade was heading to his office, he turned and asked, “By the way, was a gift sent to Dylan Adams at Northgate?”
Gwen had to look at her delivery schedule. She didn’t remember any special deliveries to Northgate. “I don’t see anything being delivered to Northgate today, sir. I can check with the mailroom if you’d like.”
“That won’t be necessary, Gwen. Thanks though.” With everything that was going on with Dylan, he was beginning to get concerned.
When Rade got to his office, he dialed Dylan to find out more about the charm she received.
“Hi, Rade,” Dylan answered softly.
“Hi, Sweetheart, I’m calling regarding your text. I wish I had sent it to you, but I didn’t,” Rade said with regret.
“Oh… I just figured it was from you since you’ve been so generous with giving me things. Maybe my dad sent it, or Lilly.”
“Maybe,” Rade agreed. “Since I have you on the phone, are you free for lunch?”
“I can’t today. I have an appointment at ten o’clock to see my new apartment, which I’m going to be late for if I don’t let you go. See you at home.”
When Rade hung up with Dylan, he was beginning to have second thoughts about changing her employment contract to include an apartment as part of her job compensation. He was going to miss having her waiting for him when he got home. But if she was adamant about moving out, at least he had control over where she would be living.
*****
Dylan rode in Veronica’s Lexis, excited to see where she would be living. It didn’t take but fifteen minutes for them to arrive at their destination. The building itself was spectacular. From what Dylan could see, it was very well maintained with its manicured hedges and flower beds. The entrance had an awning over the front glass doors. Knowing they wouldn’t be long, Veronica pulled up to the curb and dropped a couple of dollars into the parking meter. Walking up to the entrance, Dylan could see that the building was very secure. She spotted three cameras positioned at different angles to record all of the comings and goings of anyone who entered and exited the building.
Entering the building, Dylan spotted even more cameras, high on the walls in the lobby area. She also saw a security desk located in the middle, with seating areas to right and left. The lobby was nicely decorated with abstract paintings, plants, and furnishings, almost what would be seen in a high-end hotel lobby. Dylan and Veronica walked over to the security desk, where a middle aged man was sitting watching cameras while occasionally changing the view on the monitors. When they got to the desk, Veronica told the guard that she was there to show the apartment on the 10th floor. The security guard gave Veronica the okay and handed her a clipboard to sign in.
With the key card in hand, Dylan and Veronica made their way to the elevator. Dylan swiped her card and entered the elevator. “I’m so excited to see the apartment. I’m sure it’s going to be absolutely gorgeous,” Dylan said as they stood inside the car.
Veronica looked at Dylan with a smile. “The apartments are all very beautiful. The building itself and the apartments have been remodeled recently. Northgate Financial purchased the building about a year ago. It wasn’t in the best of shape.”
Dylan just listened to Veronica as she continued explaining the remodel and the changes made to the building from its original look.
The elevator doors opened to the 10th f
loor and Dylan followed Veronica down a hallway until they stopped at an apartment located at the end.
As Veronica led, she stated, “You will have one of the best apartments on the floor. It’s a corner apartment, so you’ll have a view from two sides. I think you will be very happy.”
Once they entered the apartment, Veronica was right, the apartment was beautiful. It was open and very spacious. There was a living room which was decorated in beige and soft shades of yellow and blue. The living area and the kitchen flowed together in an open space separated only by a breakfast bar covered in beige granite. The kitchen had all stainless steel appliances and glass-front dark cabinets, which held porcelain flatware and what looked to be crystal stemware.
Dylan was in total awe at how beautiful the apartment was. Veronica ushered her down a short hallway where they came upon the master bedroom. When Veronica opened the door, Dylan once again couldn’t believe her eyes. The room was massive, with a king-sized bed facing the floor to ceiling windows. The furniture reminded her of Rade’s penthouse. Dylan wondered if it was from the same furniture store. Veronica showed Dylan the bathroom, which had a shower encased in glass on three sides, and a white marble wall on the other. There was a large tub next to the shower that could easily fit four people in it. It was the most gorgeous room she had seen so far. Veronica showed Dylan the rest of the apartment, which included a laundry room and one more bedroom with its own bathroom.
When they had finished the tour of the apartment, Veronica took Dylan to the gym, which was on the 20th floor, and then the pool, which was just above the gym on the roof. Even though the pool was enclosed with glass doors all around, there was still an area with loungers where the tenants could soak up the sun or relax when they finished swimming. There was also a bar area, which Veronica pointed to. It was open during the summer months to provide beverages and snacks for the residents and guests. It was absolutely wonderful. Dylan knew she would be happy here. It was more than she had ever dreamt. Her old apartment didn’t even compare, and she knew she would be safe with all the security it provided.
By the time they left the apartment building it was 12:30 p.m. Veronica suggested they enjoy some lunch. She pulled up to an exclusive restaurant in the heart of the city. A valet was waiting as Veronica pulled in front. Veronica handed the valet her keys while Dylan followed her inside. Usually reservations were required, but since this was lunch, the restaurant hadn’t been as busy as they normally were for dinner. They were able to get a table right away. The hostess showed them to their seat as Dylan looked over at Veronica and mentioned with gratitude. “This is my treat.”
Once Dylan looked at the menu, she gasped at how expensive the items were. Veronica could see Dylan panic. “No need to worry, Northgate is providing lunch for us.”
Dylan let out a slow breath of relief. Her savings was quickly depleting and she didn’t need to have another expense she couldn’t afford.
*****
When Dylan and Veronica arrived back at the office, three and a half hours later, Dylan saw Alex sitting at his desk. Alex had his headphone to his ear talking to someone on the other end while looking up information on his computer. Not wanting to disturb him, she waved at him and headed to her office.
Dylan turned toward Veronica. “Thank you so much for lunch and the wonderful tour of the apartment.”
Veronica looked at Dylan with a smile. “You’re very welcome, Dylan. The apartment should be ready by Friday. I can arrange to have movers pack up your personal items in your current residence on Thursday. That way it will be there when you move in on Friday.”
Dylan was a little sad over having to move out of Rade’s penthouse. Even though she knew this was something she had to do, she was going to miss seeing him when she went to bed at night and woke up in the morning. “I really don’t have many belongings. What I do have, I’m sure I can handle myself, or I can get a friend to help me.”
Veronica nodded at Dylan with acceptance. “Well, if you change your mind, just let me know and I’ll arrange the movers for you.”
Dylan thought yesterday was a wonderful day, but she had to admit that this day by far was the best.
When Dylan got to her office, she could see that there was a voice message for her. Placing her purse on the floor by her chair and shrugging off her coat, Dylan sat at her desk and entered her password to retrieve her message. It was Rade.
“Hey, Sweetness, I tried getting you on your cell, but you didn’t answer. I wanted to let you know that I will be home late this evening. I have requested food to be delivered to the penthouse for you. You will probably be asleep when I get home. So I will see you in the morning.”
Dylan was taken aback by his message. She was hoping to share her day with him over dinner. Dylan decided to send him a quick text.
Dylan: Sorry I missed your call. I can wait up for you.
Rade: No need. Not sure how late I’ll be.
Dylan: Okay, I miss you.
Dylan wasn’t sure if she should have let Rade know how she felt. She could only hope that he felt the same way. Her thoughts were confirmed when Rade responded to her text.
Me Too!!!
Dylan was so deep into her work that she lost track of time. It was already 4:45 p.m. when she looked at her watch. She knew that Dr. Foster would be at the penthouse at 5:30. She gathered the files she was working on and put them in her desk drawer. When she left her office, she could see that Veronica had already left. Dylan kind of wondered why she hadn’t let her know she was leaving. Not giving it a second thought, she texted Richard to let him know she was just about ready to leave. Richard responded right away, letting her know that he would be waiting outside for her.
When Dylan got to the lobby, she saw Alex sitting on one of the leather chairs. “Hey, Alex.”
Alex looked up at Dylan and said, “Hey, Chica.”
Dylan stood in front of him. “I didn’t see you when I got to work this morning. I thought maybe something happened to you. Is everything all right?”
Alex explained, “I had to run some errands for the Bossman. I wasn’t expecting it to take all day.”
Dylan sat next to Alex with sympathy. “I’m sorry your day was so busy. I really did miss you today. Does he have you doing errands tomorrow? Maybe we could do lunch together.”
Alex gleamed at Dylan with excitement. “That would make my day, Chica, but I never know what my day is going to bring. Can I let you know tomorrow?”
“Of course you can. I gotta go, my ride is here.” She gave Alex a small peck on the cheek and said goodbye.
Alex looked out the front doors of the building as Dylan got into her waiting ride. He knew who the driver was. What he didn’t understand was why Dylan was getting into the car of the CEO of Northgate. The car of the man that had run his ass ragged all day. Alex’s cab pulled up to the building shortly after Dylan’s ride pulled away. He made a mental note to ask Dylan about it tomorrow.
*****
When the elevator stopped at the penthouse floor, Dylan didn’t realize how tired she was. Dr. Foster was supposed to arrive in about fifteen minutes, which didn’t give Dylan enough time to take a shower before she got there. She decided to quickly freshen up instead. Walking down the hall to her bedroom, she heard the landline ringing. Turning around, she headed back to the living room where the phone was, rushed over to it, and picked it up. “Hello.”
She heard a male voice on the other end. “Hello, Ms. Adam. This is security. I wanted to let you know that Dr. Foster is here. Can I send her up?”
The doctor was early, but Dylan was ready to get this over with. If she had her way, she would cancel the whole appointment, but she knew how important it was to Rade. “Yes, send her up.”
A few moments later Dr. Foster was standing in the foyer. She was an attractive woman, far from what Dylan pictured her looking like. She looked polished, like she came from one of those expensive modeling shows where a special invitation was required. As Dylan stepp
ed closer, she got a better look at her. She was indeed very attractive. Her hair was almost jet black and her eyes were almost the same color. Kind of mysterious, like she had many dark secrets. Her lipstick was the shade of red rubies, which made her lips look thick and luscious. Even though she was taller and curvier than Dylan, her body was slender.
Dylan stepped up to her and introduced herself. “Hi, I’m Dylan Adams. So nice to meet you.”
The doctor looked at Dylan with a smile. Once Dylan saw the doctor’s smile, she felt more comfortable. Her smile was very friendly and made her more approachable. “Hi, Dylan. I’m Dr. Julia Foster, but please call me Julia.”
When the doctor was finished with her examination, she left Dylan a thirty-day supply of birth control pills, telling her she would contact her in a couple of days with the results of her blood tests. She also made an appointment with Dylan for the following week to make sure the pills were working well for her, with no side effects. Dr. Foster assured her it was common practice following up with her patients, even for small things like birth control. She also left Dylan instructions to continue practicing safe sex for that seven days and that the pill would protect her from getting pregnant, but not protect her from STDs.
When the doctor left, Dylan headed back to the bathroom for her much needed shower. Not wasting any time, she quickly stripped off her clothes and got under the warm spray of water. With the water pulsating on her tired body, she started to think about Rade and how he made her feel when he touched her. Missing that feeling, she slowly lowered her hand to her sex. Closing her eyes, she slowly moved her hand between her folds, imagining it was Rade who was touching her. As she slowly slipped a finger inside, she could feel her own juices building around her finger. Moving her finger smoothly with her juices, she gently slipped another finger inside her. Normally she wouldn’t have touched herself, feeling self conscious about getting caught, but right now she needed her release. Sliding her thumb along her clit, she could feel her climax beginning to build. With her other hand, she took hold of her hard nipple, pinching it just enough to cause pressure, but not enough to cause pain. Sliding her fingers harder and faster inside, Dylan could feel her release about to escape. With a few more strokes, her body exploded with a jolt.
