Apparently my late hours and closed mouth on the buyout have left him off balance. What will happen when next Friday rolls around and we announce Parkerson will be fighting to stay independent? Will our fleeting romance be over? Will he hate me for betraying his trust? Worse, will he think I used him this whole time as a distraction?
It’s scary how fast I’m falling for this man, and falling hard. Saying goodbye next Friday would tear me apart. There’s got to be a way around this, besides telling the truth and getting fired. I just can’t see it yet.
Tony twitches in his sleep and his arm tightens around me.
You could quit your job. That might help.
I discard the idea the moment it appears. I might care a lot for this man, but I don’t intend to lose my livelihood on a ten-day old relationship. Where would I be then? Monetarily dependant on Tony like all those other women before me? No thanks. How long would we last then? A month, tops?
Tony stirs behind me and his hand creeps down, angling across my stomach. His questing fingers delve between my folds, gently touching my inner lips, encouraging them to respond. I stretch and nuzzle my bum closer to his hips, eager to wake all of him.
Our passion feels unrushed now, the fervor of last night banked to a steady bed of coals. He gently stokes the rising flames of our desire, eventually rolling me to my back and snuggling between my thighs, making me feel more worshipped with his attention than any man ever in my life.
I open myself and my heart to him, eager to enjoy every moment, no matter what next week brings.
We climb out of bed around ten and I get a chance to examine his apartment more carefully. It has two big master bedrooms with their own baths, a fully equipped study, and a huge living room that connects to the dining area and gourmet kitchen. Wall to wall Brazilian cherry hard woods, everything done in basic neutral tones, leather couches, heavy wood pieces.
For sheer size and location alone, it’s pretty impressive, but also kind of…dull. He mentioned it was company owned and I can see it. There is nothing here to tell me more about the man I’ve grown to love.
A pit opens in my stomach once the admittance crosses my thoughts. Caring about a man more than he cares about me has led to disaster in the past. Previously I’d lose myself in them, eager for any moment they had to spare for me. My love was taken for granted and used to control me.
But you let it happen, didn’t you? Never standing up for yourself or what you wanted. Never expecting more than they’d be willing to give.
All of that is different now, or so I keep telling myself.
Tony makes me breakfast and insists on serving me in bed. As I’m sipping coffee, he hands me a brightly wrapped gift. My mind starts whirring. Could it be diamonds? He casually mentioned something about treating previous women to Vegas and diamonds.
Do I fall in the same category as them, or do I stand out at as someone different? Apprehension fills me as I reach for the package.
“Why do you look scared, Heather?” Tony flops down on the bed next to me. “I swear—it won’t explode.”
A tentative smile crosses my face and I slide a finger under the tape, unwilling to tear into the gift like a grasping harpy. The box is way too big to be a diamond bracelet. I’m sure I’m safe.
“Come on…,” Tony urges, a little-kid glee about him. “You’re killing me here!”
With a grin I rip open the package to see a stunning Nikon D4 camera. “Holy crap! You bought me a professional camera?” I squeal with delight and bounce on the bed, laying the box aside carefully to launch myself at Tony. I wrap my arms around his neck and plant kisses all over his face while he laughs. “I think this is the best gift I’ve ever received in my life!”
“Wow.” Tony holds me in his arms and returns my kisses. “I can’t wait to see how you react when you see the new lenses.”
“Ohmygod! Show me now!”
As we drive to Hoboken, Tony’s hand leaves the gearshift of his BMW to find mine. A gentle stroke of his fingers down the back of my hand draws a shiver of want through me. I glance at him while he’s driving and catch a small smile on his face. He feels it, too.
His eyes dart to me, then return to the road. The heat in his eyes caresses me for a split second, leaving me aching for more.
A big part of me worries I’ve got to stand tall and protect my heart, or it will be crushed under the charisma of this man. Breakfast in bed, the camera any serious photographer would love to own, and an amazing lover. As I squirm in my seat, hopeful he doesn’t sense my arousal, the realization that I’m already too far gone sucker punches me in the gut.
How will I handle this whole week without spilling my guts to him? What will I do if he leaves me?
You’ll survive, just like you did when your parents died, and just like you did when you were dumped by Jimmy and Rick.
We pull up to a tall, grey stone building, its façade of ornate masonry appearing well preserved. A mew of despair escapes me when he cuts the engine.
Who the hell falls in love with a man in less than two weeks? What the hell am I going to do?
“Are you okay?” Tony’s brow furrows and he places a hand on my shoulder.
I nod and bolt out of the car, eager to take a breath of fresh air and clear my head. I can do this. I lock a hand around the camera housing, hoping I gain some strength in the next five seconds. I can pretend I’m not afraid of what I’m feeling and act normal. He probably doesn’t feel the same and spouting out what’s on my mind could very well drive him away. My brain whirs, searching for a suitable reason for my actions. I come up with nothing.
Tony’s door shuts, the muffled sound jarring me while I try my best not to hyperventilate. He joins me on the sidewalk, a worried look on his face. “Were you getting car sick?”
Grateful for a logical excuse for my wacky behavior, I latch onto it. My head nods like a berserk bobble head doll and a lie spills from my lips. “Yes. Only a little at the end.”
Tony runs a soothing hand down my back. “Want a glass of water? Or would ginger ale be better? I could run to the store to get some.”
Tension eases out of my shoulders. “I think the fresh air is all I need.” I raise my new camera and take a few shots of the building’s exterior. “Tell me a little about the place before we go in.”
Tony’s face lights up with interest, a look I haven’t seen on him when we’ve spoken about work. “I bought it four years ago. It was the third apartment building I’d ever purchased and the only one I’ve held onto over the years.”
My eyebrows creep up my head. I had no idea he owned real estate. At my look he continues. “Not what you expect from a corporate raider?” He shrugs. “I’m not the norm, I guess. Most of the guys I work with either piss their money away on expensive toys, habits, women, or try their best to master day trading. If there’s one thing my mom taught me, it’s that real estate may go up and down, but it’s the best way to earn over the long haul.”
“Your mom? Not your dad?”
Tony leans on the hood of his car, pulling me with him. “I don’t talk about it much, but my dad was a complete loser.” He holds my free hand, focusing on our entwined fingers while he speaks. “It was my mom who raised my two brothers and me. She kept us together as a family long after my dead-beat dad died.”
I turn to look at him, sorrow welling inside me. “I’m so sorry, Tony. I had no idea.”
He looks up at the building, lost in his thoughts, oblivious to the street noise around us. “I told you he drank. Well, he also gambled. Got mean when there was no booze left, too.” He touches the scar on his chin and my heart seizes in my chest. His father must have given it to him. “He lost our house and every dime we had. I swore I’d never be like him.”
That explained the long hours and intense work ethic. “How old were you when he died?”
“Fourteen. I was the oldest. Heart attack at forty-five. Drank himself to death. My mom worked, but for a while we lived in a shelter. She was
determined to keep us together and not put us in foster care. I started working after school to help out. Did clean up at construction sites and ran errands.” He gestures to the building with his chin. “Never thought at the time I’d be where I am today.”
“Really? I’m not surprised.”
His gaze drifts back to me. “Why do you say that?”
“You obviously worked your ass off, determined to prove to yourself you’d never be like your dad.”
A sad smile curves his mouth as he steps away from the car and tugs me toward the door. “And when is enough, enough?” He unlocks the main door and we step into a small vestibule with mailboxes.
“What do you mean?”
“There’s got to be a time when I stop trying to prove myself, right? When I’ve finally earned enough money to feel secure.”
This conversation has taken a turn I never thought it would and I’m not sure what to say. I have no idea how much money he has and I’m wondering how rude it would be to ask. Does it matter? I search inside myself and realize it doesn’t.
I plant a soft kiss on his lips. “Only you can decide that.”
He shakes off the melancholy surrounding him and gestures to the elevator. “There’re four units per floor. The fifth floor is all mine. Want to see it?”
I take a shot of the hallway and old elevator, then step forward to press the up button. “I’d love to.”
He slips his hand into mine once more and I’m overwhelmed with the feeling of completeness. He feels like home.
On the ride back to Manhattan, we’re both quiet. There’s an easy feeling of peace between us, and a comfort in our silences that wasn’t there before. Tony showed me every project in the building he’s worked on with pride pouring out of every pore. Some jobs he’s been the general contractor on, hiring experts, others he’s done himself.
While his large unit isn’t complete, he’s got the major work done. Including the gorgeous kitchen. I learned a lot about him while walking through the space and listening to him. He’s passionate about using renewable resources and sustainable materials for his rehab projects, even if it costs him more upfront.
For the first time, the polished corporate façade fell away and the real man behind the suit came alive. We ordered a late lunch and ate on his outside roof terrace. The city sounds of Hoboken drifted up to us, making me think we were still in Manhattan.
I relax into the plush leather seat of his car, content with how we spent the day. I curve my hand over his denim-clad thigh. “Tony, why do you work at Apollo?”
My question catches him off guard and he hesitates. “I’m good at my job and I like it. The money is incredible.”
Anxiousness fills me at the thought of disappointing him next Friday. But spending this time with him has taught me one very important lesson—sometimes you have to do the right thing. Even if it’s hard.
I swallow and say what’s been rattling around in my mind since he told me about his father. “My parents died in a car accident when I was twenty-two.”
“I’m so sorry, Heather. That had to be awful.”
“Let me get the rest out before I freeze up.” His free hand reaches down to mine on his thigh and squeezes. “I think I’ve been so afraid of being deserted that I’ve chased away the men I’ve been involved with, or—like you noticed—I’ve run from them. If I somehow sabotaged the relationship then I’d have a reason to be the one leaving, not the one left behind…like with my parents. I’d be somehow controlling the ruin and my pain, not them.”
“Oh, sweetie. You know your folks didn’t desert you, right? They died.”
I nod, blinking back tears. “Logically, I know it, yes. But I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my past and why I’ve done what I’ve done. I’m not proud of it, but the first step toward change is being aware of what you’re doing, right?”
He picks up my hand and kisses my fingers, his eyes still safely looking ahead at the road before us. “I won’t be easy to run off. You can count on that.”
Yeah, until I ruin his deal next week. A lump forms in my throat.
God, why does life have to be so hard?
Chapter Eighteen
Tony
Monday morning rolls around, much too soon for my taste. I spent the entire weekend with Heather and it felt magical.
She raved about the apartment building, impressed with the architecture and beauty, just like I was when I first saw it. The dilapidated structure may have been priced to move, and only someone with time and money to fix it up would have even considered it. My love of acquiring old buildings and bringing them back to life was mirrored in Heather’s eyes. With her new camera she took shot after shot. I can’t wait to see how the pictures turn out. I’d love to take her to my other Hoboken properties to see what details she discovers behind the lens.
In comparison, my familiar office at Apollo leaves me feeling empty. Aside from the warm memory of Heather and me last week, there’s really nothing here I’d miss.
The morning hours drain away as I mechanically move through my morning. Deidra asks me on four separate occasions what’s eating me. I don’t have an answer for her. How can I say all I think about is Heather and the future we might have together? She’d either give me a knowing look and smile, or think I was off my rocker.
Marcus drags me off to lunch where I pick at my meal. In a loud clatter, my friend drops his silverware onto his plate.
“Are you thinking about Heather, again?”
My eyebrows rise in surprise. “Am I that obvious?”
“You told me about taking her to Hoboken. The rest I can conclude because I’m super observant and wicked smart.” The last words come out with a fake New England accent, sounding like smaht.
I ignore his attempt at humor and pose a question that’s been buzzing in my skull for hours. “Do you ever wonder what we’re working so hard for?”
Marcus’s breath comes out in a huff. “I can’t answer for everyone, but I’m working for the money.” He runs a hand down his expensive suit. “Takes some serious coin to dress this divine body the way it deserves.”
I snort. “Uh-huh. You always were a prima donna.”
Marcus continues as if I hadn’t spoken. “And I like fine restaurants and living in the city.”
I wave my hand dismissing those things. “Yeah, I get it. But when do you decide enough is enough? I don’t want to raise kids in the city, nor do I want to keep working myself into the ground each week.”
“Kids?” Marcus chokes. “Holy shit, did you just say kids?” I shrug. Shock crosses Marcus’s face. “You’ve changed, man. You’re not the same guy who flew to Vegas last month and partied with the big dogs.”
“‘The big dogs’. What the hell does that even mean? Nikko and his cronies? You’d be surprised how old that gets after a while.”
A dark look colors his face. “I wouldn’t know about that.”
For the first time, it occurs to me that Marcus might be jealous. I stare across the restaurant, unsure if it’s worth taking the time to explain my feelings to the man. Some things you have to discover on your own—and besides, he doesn’t appear ready to listen.
As if sensing the growing void between us, Marcus speaks up. “Hey man, I don’t work as hard as you do, but even I see how this lifestyle is only right for some.” He picks up his water glass and takes a drink. “It’s easy when you break it down to simple terms.”
“Oh, yeah? Enlighten me.”
“Does she make you happy?”
Heather’s smile blossoms in my mind. The sound of her laughter triggers answering joy from me, the touch of her skin warms my fingers, and her scent fills my nose. Heat pumps through me at the thought of seeing her later, no mater what time she finishes work. “Yes. She makes me happy.”
“See? That’s simple. Nothing else matters.” Marcus slaps me on the back. “I’m happy for you, man. One more thing for me to be jealous of. But I’ll try to contain myself.”
We leave the restaurant, making our way back to the office, and I feel lighter than I have in years. I know what I have to do. But executing it will be a completely new challenge.
The afternoon ticks by slowly, even worse than this morning. I haven’t texted Heather since last week, keenly aware she has a lot going on. Friday’s merger will bring more changes. I’ve debated mentioning her job would be safe when the buyout finalizes, but kept quiet. She’s responsible for all the important investments Parkerson made. Apollo Enterprises would be foolish to let her go.
This agreement to not discuss work is killing me. I have no idea if she knows I’ve been removed from the deal, whether or not I had anything to do with the higher amount not being offered, and no control on how Brian will ultimately proceed with the buyout. Then again, if she had any misconceptions about what I was doing, I doubt she’d hold back from speaking her mind—agreement or not. I also highly doubt she’d sleep with me if I pissed her off.
An abrupt knock sounds at my office door. Brian, speak of the devil, stands in the doorway, an arrogant look on his polished visage.
I raise an eyebrow. “Need something?”
He shakes his head and saunters in, avoiding my desk and walking straight to the windows. “You’ve got a great view from here, Tony.”
A tingle creeps down my spine. He’s been in here before, everyone has. It’s not like the view from my office has changed in the time he’s worked for the company.
He turns to the bookcases lining the walls, his eyes glancing from floor to ceiling. “Enjoy it while it lasts.”
“Why? You hoping they move me soon? Not likely to happen, sport.”
He gestures to the plush club chairs next to a round table. “Is this where you negotiated a higher offer with one of the Parkerson employees? Perhaps they agreed to cut you in on the deal with a large kickback?” Brian returns to the window, staring out at the view he obviously covets, giving me his back once again.
Indignation infuses me, heating my skin. “What the fuck are you talking about? I make enough on the deal upfront. I don’t need to orchestrate some slimy kickback.” I step from behind my desk to face the slippery bastard. “Maybe that’s the kind of deal you arranged at previous companies, but we don’t operate like that here.”
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