They finished their cake and moved to the couch. Both of them were nursing their coffee mugs, anything to keep from staring too long at the other.
“It’s getting late, I should probably go.” Ian stood up. Cassidy mimicked her, following closely as the blond made her way over to the door. Ian turned to face the smaller woman that was practically standing against her. “Thank you for dinner, I had a wonderful time.” She bent her head slightly to kiss Cassidy's cheek, but Cassidy had other plans. She turned her head to meet the softest lips that she’d ever tasted. Everything from the last kiss that they’d shared came rushing back full force. Ian was against the door with her arms wrapped tightly around the smaller woman, pulling her against her thigh. Ian could feel the heat of Cassidy’s crotch seeping through her jeans. They continued to explore each others mouths, Ian pulled away slightly to playfully bite Cassidy’s bottom lip, a moan escaped the smaller woman as she stuck her tongue out and traced Ian's lips, that produced a moan from the taller woman.
“We should stop this…I don’t…Ian I want you, I’ve wanted you since the first night I saw you. This is crazy.” They continued to press their lips together, kissing with raw emotion, their tongues tangled together in a heated battle to be inside the others mouth. When Cassidy came to her senses she tried to pull away but strong arms held her tightly, refusing to let them part.
“Where’s your bedroom?” Ian whispered huskily as she placed small kisses on her neck and nibbled on her ear. Cassidy was too lost in the heated flood between her legs to realize that she was leading her boss to her bedroom.
Both women kicked off their shoes and tossed their socks in the corner. The room was dark, except for the small shadow that the parking lot lights cast across the wall. Cassidy pulled Ian’s shirt and bra up over her head and added it to the pile of socks and shoes. Ian followed her moves until they were standing naked next to the bed. Ian moved first, she ran her hands down Cassidy’s chest caressing her firm round breasts, teasing the sensitive nipples with soft pinches, then sliding further to her flat stomach and around to the small of her back. Her mind was lost in the feel of the incredibly soft skin under her hands. Cassidy tangled her fingers in Ian’s short hair, pulling her down into an electrifying kiss. Rough and wet, she bit Ian's lip and glided her tongue past the sensitive spot that she had just claimed with her teeth. It took two small steps for them to hit the bed. Cassidy laid down first pulling Ian on top of her. Neither woman could deny the pain between her legs. The wanting and needing to be touched was overtaken by the powerful desire to feel every inch of the other person. Ian ran her tongue slowly across Cassidy’s chest, stopping to tease each nipple with her teeth before drawing it between her lips to cover it with wet heat. She continued south, placing tiny heated kisses on the Cassidy's stomach all the way to her hairline, then each thigh before moving painfully slow back up to capture her lips. Ian’s thigh slipped across Cassidy’s center, she could feel the warm liquid cover her leg and the faint shudder of the smaller woman under her.
Cassidy rolled Ian over and straddled her, their tiny hairs tangled together and they trust into each other. She brought Ian's hands up to caress her breasts as she looked down into the beautiful blue puddles sparkling at her. She softly rocked back and forth as Ian flicked her thumbs over the stiff nipples, she was too engrossed to feel the wet spot on the sheet under her. Ian lowered her hands to reach behind Cassidy, she squeezed her ass and pulled her forward, sliding lower on the bed in one fluid motion. Cassidy caught on quickly and settled herself on Ian’s mouth. When Ian’s tongue opened her she felt her body tremble. The heat from Ian's mouth on her was almost enough to make her lose control. Ian continued to slowly lick back and forth in teasing strokes, stopping to suck the mound of muscles that swelled with every touch. Cassidy was close, she knew it would be over all too soon, she rolled off of Ian and pulled Ian on top of her.
“I want you inside me…I want to see your face.” She tasted herself on Ian’s lips, then on her tongue as she slid her tongue deep inside Ian's mouth. Ian reached down and easily slid two fingers inside of Cassidy. The burning heat and muscles surrounding her fingers tightly contracted as she worked her fingers in deeper, then all the way out. Cassidy moaned and gasped until she was once again filled with Ian’s fingers. Cassidy held Ian tightly in her arms, kissing her and thrusting her hips forward to match every stroke. She reached down between herself and Ian to place her fingers in Ian's blond wet curls. Ian’s breath caught in her throat as her legs opened, her body begged desperately to be touched. She inched her way up enough for the smaller woman to reach inside of her without altering her own rhythm inside of Cassidy. She felt Cassidy's fingers circle her clit, then enter her in one fluid motion. Their hips rocked together, forcing deeper and faster penetration. Both women panted and thrust together desperate for release. Again they kissed as if this were the last time intensely tasting every part of each others mouth until Cassidy pulled Ian's tongue into her mouth sucking in and out slowly. Ian began to tighten around Cassidy’s fingers that were plunged deep inside of her. The kiss broke while they frantically rode each other. Cassidy’s sharp cries were first, followed closely by Ian’s as they held each other tightly and came together, not once but twice before they finally stilled their fingers.
Neither woman moved, they stayed inside of each other tangled together. Ian scanned gray eyes for some sort of comfort. Cassidy stared openly into the deep blue eyes looking down at her as they slid out of each other. Ian wrapped her arms around Cassidy and delicately kissed her lips.
~ ~ ~
When Ian awoke at three a.m. tangled with Cassidy, reality slapped her across the face. She quickly dressed and snuck back to her hotel. She showered and packed, by five a.m. she was checked out and back on the road. What have I done? She turned the radio in the Land Rover as loud as it would go, trying to drown out the thoughts in her head. She would be back in Aspen in two and a half hours, back to sanity.
~ ~ ~
Cassidy realized she was alone when she woke, why would she think she wasn’t? All of a sudden visions of the past few hours flashed through her mind. Oh my god. What the hell have I done? She sat up wondering where Ian was, she scampered over to the light switch and illuminated the room. Her own clothes were all that was left. Her mind raced with thoughts that she couldn’t control. A hot shower would wash away the memory, or so she thought.
Chapter 15
“You did what?!” Trina’s voice was vicious.
“You heard me, don’t make me repeat it.” Cassidy spoke with what sounded like her last breath, quiet and composed.
“Cass, I…wow…I don’t know what to say.”
She sighed. “Me either. I feel so empty, like I fell into this dark hole that I can’t climb out of Trina, it’s fucking scarring me.”
“I’m sorry honey, I know you’re hurting. Have you talked to her? Has she called you?”
“No.”
It had been three weeks since she was with Ian in her apartment. The only contact they had was through the lawyers. Ian was completely wrapped up in the lawsuit from hell, heading into the trial of the century. Cassidy spent her days working vigorously now that Ian had hired a director for the new construction department, and the locomotive department was finally being run correctly although two other directors were simultaneously running it together until Ian filled that position. She still hadn’t found an assistant so she was working sixty hours a week in her corporate office. Giles could tell something was wrong, he knew the obscured blond all too well. Ian had been acting strangely since she arrived home from her last trip to the plant. He wouldn’t push, that wasn’t his place, but if she wanted to talk he would be there. He would watch closely to keep her out of trouble and to keep her from falling back into her old ways.
~ ~ ~
“Hell no I’m not settling Max, a million dollars isn’t worth my time on this god damn telephone!” Her voice rose higher. “Tell them, I’m a Wiley through and through, and t
hey can kiss my ass!” She slammed the phone down. “Deal? If Hinkley thinks I’m going to fold like a cheap plate they’re stupider that I thought. God damn idiots! Ugh!” She sat back in her chair and rubbed her temples, trying to sooth the nonstop pounding between her ears. Not now.
A month had gone by since Ian spent the night making love to the beautiful brunette. Everyday she fought off the memory of that night and the pain that it caused. Trying to forget everything that happened was by far the worst thing to do. Cassidy would more than likely be devastated. Deep down Ian knew in her heart how she felt, but she couldn’t ignore the right-winged world on the surface. Her love for another woman would ruin her and everything that her family stood for. Not to mention her lack of producing the next heir to the corporation. Would sharing a life with the most intriguing woman that she’d ever met really be that bad? No, their life together would probably be perfect, until they left the house to go work every morning under scrutiny by the corporate world. Then there’s the small fact that Cassidy is Ian’s employee, that alone would be enough to bring down the house. Instead, Ian decided the best way to handle the situation would be to forget it ever happened. Her mind might let go of the images in her memory, but her heart would beat only one name.
~ ~ ~
Ian finally hired an assistant, the first week of April. Her lawsuit was moving along at a snails pace. Hinkley was obviously digging for dirt on her to counter with, this only meant more delays and appeals. The blond worked vigorously training her new subordinate.
Clark Watkins was roughly two inches taller than Ian, with light brown hair and big brown eyes. He was semi-muscular and tan. Ian could see why the straight women went after him, he was sort of cute, if you were into boyish good looks, and of course, a penis, both of which she wasn’t. Clark spent his first week learning the business. He worked with William Goody, Director of Railway Transit, first, here he learned all about railroad tracks and how they’re made, as well as how they sold the parts. Then, he was passed off to Carey Stewart, Director of Metro Transit, here he learned about metro and subway system tracks, how they work and how the parts are sold. Ian finished his first weeks training by explaining the Locomotive Department and the new Construction department herself.
“I know this is a lot of information to digest in one week Clark, but coming from a background in the steel industry you should pick up on the lingo pretty quickly.”
“Yes ma’am, I understand most of what I’ve been told since it’s relative to my last company. I have also learned a great deal of information about the railroad industry.” The brown haired man appeared less nervous around his superior as the week went by. Friday afternoon, he sat across from her in her office admiring and respecting her as he had on Monday morning, and now understanding why it had taken him over a month to get the position. To him, this was like working as the President’s Chief of Staff. He smiled inwardly at that thought.
“Enjoy your weekend off, but make sure you read all of those parts manuals that William and Carey gave you, along with the ones that we went over yesterday.”
“Not a problem ma’am. Being single leaves me with plenty of time on my hands.” He grinned. Ian knew he had worked for various companies in the steel industry during the past ten years, but his latest position was managing the headquarters of a major automotive factory. This gave him the credentials that she was looking for, even though he was barely thirty, he had enough experience to push him to the top of her candidate last. He finally won her over in his third interview.
“Monday morning my personal driver will take us to Grand Junction, it’s about two and a half hours away. We’ll spend the day with the Plant Director and the Logistics Director.” She paused when Cassidy’s face appeared in her thoughts. “After that we’ll tour the plant.”
“That sounds interesting, I’ve never seen how the parts are actually made, I spent most of my time in the office on the phone.” She laughed at his honesty.
“Well, this will be your only time to see it, unfortunately, you’ll be in your office on the phone for the rest of your career at Wiley Steel.” He laughed with her.
“At least I do give you a chance to see how my company works, maybe that’s why we stand out, we work as a family. Anyway, I’m going to leave you there in a hotel for a few days. I expect you to work closely with the directors at the plant, these two can make or break a deal, get to know them.”
“I’m looking forward to it ma’am.” He straightened his red tie behind his black suit jacket.
“Good, I think you will be a great asset to me, as well as the rest of my team. One thing that I want you to remember and always keep in the back of your mind Clark, you are the liaison, all of these directors will go through you to get to me. I expect you to be capable of handling every issue by the beginning of next month.” As soon as he left the room she ran both hands through her short blond hair and sighed. Going back to Grand Junction was not something that she was looking forward to. She was looking forward to meeting and having multiple conversations with Cassidy even less. You are professional, it’s time to be professional.
Ian was glad to be back at the estate. After dinner she retreated to the study to go over paperwork as usual. The blond hadn’t stepped foot in the formal living room since the last night that she’d spent with Cassidy in there, the night they shared the kiss that changed her life. Instead, she seemed to find the bottom of the glass of Southern Comfort more and more, not quite as often as when her parents passed away, but close enough to begin to scare Giles.
“Young Wiley, you seem as if something’s bothering you.” The Englishman stood in the doorway. Ian looked up to find caring eyes staring back at her.
“It’s nothing Giles, I’m just a little stressed.” She tried to raise the corner of her mouth, but a smile was the farthest thing from her mind.
“Forgive me for being so disorderly Miss, but I see sadness in you once again, and you’re talking to the bottle…I…” Ian caught the tear that fell from her eye as she cut him off.
“Giles, I expect you to be straightforward with me, hell you saved my life. I know you’re the one person that can see right through me.” She pushed away from the desk and walked over to the tiny sofa against the back wall. “Come sit down with me.” He sat on the worn leather couch. “I’m glad you worry about me, you know you’re the only family I have now.”
“I hate to see you like this young Wiley. The past few months you’ve seemed so happy, especially when Miss Harland is around.” At the sound of her name another tear slid down her face, this time Giles saw it.
“If you only knew the half of it.” She finished the glass of bourbon that she was nursing. “I’m gay Giles...I never….” Another tear escaped. “Mom and dad, I…” As the tears began to fall faster the salt and pepper haired man wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to him.
“I know, I guess I’ve known for a long time. It was never my place to say anything. Your mother and father loved you unconditionally, I’m sure that would never have changed. You’re an amazing person Ian Leland Wiley, don’t let anything stand in your way, you haven’t yet, why start now?”
“This is big Giles, I can’t even produce the next god damn heir, how am I suppose to run this company as a lesbian? We’re already going through the wringer with this lawsuit, coming out will only add fuel to Hinkley’s fire.”
“Yes well sometimes we take the good with the bad.” She smiled as a lone tear fell.
“My dad use to say that to me.”
“I know.”
“The worst part of it all is I’m in love with Cassidy.” Oh my god, I’ve never said that about anyone, to anyone, what’s happening to me? Oh Mom and Dad I wish you were here, I miss you both so much.
“Why is that so bad? She’s a very nice woman, and I must say she’s very beautiful.” He blushed slightly. You poor kid, you’ve already been through so much, I hate seeing your pain continue.
“That she is
Giles, but she’s also an employee of Wiley Steel.”
“Ah, I see now where all of the fuss is.”
“I can’t just start up a relationship with one of my subordinates, could you imagine? My god I’d be a fool.”
“Please forgive me, but I do believe you’ve already passed that point Young Wiley.”
She sat in silence for the better part of five minutes. Desperately trying to hold her breath, finally she let out a long sigh and sank her head into her hands. “I slept with her.”
“I figured as much.”
“Yes well I ruined any chance I had with her when I left without warning in the middle of the night, and the simple fact that I haven’t bothered to contact her since then.”
“Hmm…it seems you have gotten yourself into a bit of a dilemma.”
“Huh, that’s putting it mildly.” She huffed. “I told you I hired a new assistant this week didn’t I?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“He and I have meetings scheduled at the plant all day Monday, a very large part of the day we’ll be with her. By the way, you’re driving us. I’m coming back and he’s staying over for a few days. I’ll send a car for him when I think he’s ready to come back.”
“Does she know about these meetings?”
“Yeah, I’m assuming she does, I spoke to the Production Director today and set everything up.”
“My advice if I may?”
“Of course, have I ever said anything to you about speaking out of context with me Giles? I told you, you’re my family now, I expect you to keep me in line.” This time she did smile.
“Be honest with her, tell her how you feel.”
“I can’t do that, not now, not when I’m there for meetings. I don’t even know how to say anything to her at all, much less pour my heart out. I need to decide what to do about her and all of the consequences that come along with her.”
Just Me Page 13
