“Babe, are you okay?” he asked panicked. Apparently, he heard the news.
“No, Drake I’m not! I’m hiding in a deli from like twenty paparazzi. They won’t leave me alone. They followed me over here and now they’re just out there waiting for me to leave. What do I do?”
“Oh my god, babe. I had no idea this would spin out of control so soon otherwise I would have warned you. I just got news that the photos were leaked to a local tabloid magazine,” he sighed. I could tell he was as frustrated as I was in that moment. Our privacy was no longer our own. “Stay right there. I’m coming to get you,” he said ending the call.
I waited for ten more minutes before I heard more commotion outside; sounds of cameras clicking, people yelling Drake’s name, and people hollering on the sidewalk. This is crazy! Drake pushed his way through the mass of people and walked back into the deli where he found me. He softly kissed me lips and grabbed my hand. He squeezed it tight as he pushed back through the crowds to where his white Escalade limo was waiting for us.
“That was insane!”
“I know. Pictures went viral only an hour ago. My lawyer is petitioning to get them removed ASAP, but until then we need to lay low,” he directed towards me. “Mark, take us to Ms. Woods apartment please,” he commanded to his driver. Apparently going back to my internship was not an option for me today. Fucking great.
At the entrance of my apartment building was another herd of paparazzi standing guard to get any pictures of Drake and I. We pushed through them and hid out in my apartment the rest of the afternoon. I called Michael to fill him in on what was happening since I wasn’t able to go out and get Stella after school. What would I say to her? Would she understand?
“So do you know who’s responsible for stealing Kendra’s files and the pictures?” I asked Drake hoping to get some answers on what we were going to do next.
“My security team has a few suspicions. They are working on it. Until then, don’t speak to any paparazzi or anyone about the pictures or us. They will use anything you say and twist it around to make a better story,” he said looking worried.
“What am I going to do about my internship? I can’t just not go. I need to be there to earn my credits for graduation.”
“Don’t worry about it, I’ll take care of it,” he answered sternly.
“What do you mean you’ll take care of it? I need to be there Drake. I’m not getting through this with any favors from you. They have already seen the pictures anyway, what’s the big deal?”
“The big deal is that they’ll be getting swarmed by the paparazzi too just to get answers about you. Anything you say to anyone can be used against us.”
“I won’t say anything unless I have to… about the class and cooking only,” I pleaded. “Please, Drake. I have to go. I can’t let them keep me locked up inside. I need to go to my internship and classes.”
“Fine… but I’m having someone go with you. You aren’t safe by yourself. The paparazzi can be dangerous, Mols, and I don’t want them anywhere near you,” he negotiated.
“Okay, deal. I won’t say a word unless I have to. Promise.” I gave him a half smile so he knew I was a little happy inside that we were able to compromise.
He scooped me up off the chair and swung me in his arms kissing my lips hard. With all this craziness going on, we’d forgotten the real reason we were in this mess: we were completely madly in love with each other.
The following morning, Drake had his driver pick me up for another day at the restaurant. There were more paparazzi than the day before. The story about Drake Stagliano hooking up with an intern in his restaurant had spread like wildfire over night. Now, everyone knew. That was not a pleasant phone call I had to make to my mother and father…
The tone in my father’s voice still rang in my head. I could tell he was disappointed, but I think at the same time he was relieved I had finally moved on. My mother was just as upset as I was, but was slightly happy to know that I was moving on as well. Was it that obvious that I had hung on for so long?
His driver walked me into the restaurant where I had about fifty eyes starring at me. Well, this is awkward. I nodded to his driver that I was fine now so he would leave. I didn’t want a chauffeur following me and adding more attention than was necessary. Blakely sneered at me as I walked past her. I could tell she loved this; complete and utter embarrassment on my part. I knew if anyone could squeeze information out of her, she would be the first one to bring up the being half naked in the freezer with Travis story. How would I explain that one to Drake? Crap.
Travis gave me a sympathetic look as I stood by him. He was like my big brother/ bodyguard that I felt safe around. I inhaled a deep breath mentally preparing myself for the day. Let’s just get this over with.
Mr. Cooper assigned us in pairs today instead of groups. Thank god! I got paired with a girl who had short frizzy, dark blonde hair and huge glasses. Was this girl for real? Did she own a mirror? I wasn’t the type to judge or ridicule, especially given my own situation, but this girl looked like she needed some serious guidance.
“Hi, I’m Phoebe. What’s your name?” she asked oblivious as to who I was.
“I’m Molly,” I answered grateful she didn’t have a clue.
We were to plan and implement a five-course meal. We had to write up a menu plan with appetizers, entrees, soups/salads, and desserts. Mr. Cooper also decided to add a wine menu to our project. A nice long project would take my mind off things. Hopefully.
“So, Phoebe, where do you think we should start?” I asked trying to get her involved.
The morning dragged on as Phoebe and I worked together on our assignment. She was an odd character talking about her pet ferret and her five cats. It was quite refreshing however to be around someone who didn’t know anything about me or pretend she knew me because of what she’s heard.
“Wanna grab some lunch?” Travis asked as we were released to go on break.
“I’d love to, but I’m afraid I can’t really go anywhere,” I pouted.
“Hmmm…. Maybe we can disguise you?” Travis looked around. I gave him a puzzling look as he started grabbing aprons and chef’s hats out of the storage closet.
He told me to put my hair in a top bun leaving no strands. I obliged and watched him put the hat on my head, trying to tuck in all my loose baby hairs. He grabbed an executive chef’s jacket that was at least two sizes big for me and placed a red apron over it.
I looked in the little mirror and decided I needed to rub my eye make-up off. I didn’t want to look too feminine. As long as I kept my head low enough while walking out, I was sure I wouldn’t be recognized.
“Perfect!” he gleamed at his finished work. “I think we can sneak you out.”
He grabbed a baseball cap and a chef’s jacket, took my hand, and led me out. About five paparazzi were still out waiting on the sidewalk but didn’t even glance up as Travis and I walked out. It worked!
We decided to walk to Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse since it would have dim lighting and would be crowded enough to not be noticed. We casually took off our disguises and sat down. It was nice to enjoy a meal with a friend and for a short time have no worries.
Lunch with Travis was a great break from reality. He was funny and genuine and kept everything strictly friend appropriate. I was starting to really feel lucky to have Travis as a friend. He knew I was with Drake and never tried anything with me. I was glad we could have that type of friendship.
“Oh my god!” I just about spit my coke out. I covered my mouth and continued laughing as Drake did an impression of Blakely. “That is spot on!”
We continued laughing and cracking jokes. We finished our lunch and got our disguises back on to leave. We were able to sneak back into the restaurant without being noticed. We were giggling like we had just snuck back into our house after sneaking out. It was such a rush to try and not be caught.
Travis and I were still laughing and goofing off when we walked into the
storage closet. Blakely stood in the doorway glaring at us. What’s her problem now?
“Your little sex kitten was here,” she blurted out. Drake?
“Oh… when?” I asked trying to remain cool.
“About fifteen minutes ago. He was pissed when he couldn’t find you. Then someone told him you left with another guy. Then he was really pissed.” She flaunted a smile on her face. Crap.
After the day was finished, I checked my phone and had three messages from Drake. He must be eager. I finished listening to them, which said to call him or see him ASAP. Something must be wrong.
It was still early and I assumed Drake was still in his office so I decided to go up and see him. I was hoping it wasn’t anymore bad news. I can’t take anymore bad news.
I walked into his office to see everything a complete mess. Drake wasn’t anywhere in sight, but his television was on, his couch cushions were piled on the floor, and his shirt was ripped lying on the floor. What the fuck…
“Drake?” I called out hoping he was near.
“Molly?” he responded startled.
“What the hell happened in here?” I asked looking around.
He took a deep breath. “Nothing… business meeting.”
Meeting? This looked like a brawl took place. I shrugged it off as I noticed Drake walking towards me putting a clean shirt on. He looked heated. And fucking hot.
“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine now that I know where you are,” he answered sternly.
“What do you mean? I was at my internship.”
“I told you to lay low. That doesn’t include going out to lunch with your little friend.”
“I did lay low. No one even noticed me. I don’t need your permission to have lunch with a friend, Drake,” I snarled back. I didn’t take orders from anyone and I wasn’t about to start.
“That’s not what I meant, Molly.” He walked closer to me. “I want to protect you; keep you safe. I can’t do that if I don’t know where you are and you’re out running around. The paparazzi can be vicious and I just want to know you aren’t getting hurt.” He tenderly placed his forehead on mine. It was obvious he cared deeply about me. He would know more about the paparazzi than I ever would. He’s been in the spotlight since he was a child, the only child of multi-billionaire, Alistair Stagliano. His family owned businesses worldwide and since he was well known in the states, he had to keep his reputation clean.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think about it that way. It won’t happen again,” I said leaning back into him trying to reach his lips with mine.
Suddenly he grabbed my hips and arched me up. My legs wrapped around his waist as he carried me to his desk. He grasped my lips hard, passionate. I released my body into him, letting him divulge into me. I dug my nails into him needing more of him. He moved his lips down my neck and collarbone slowly removing my clothing. Soon I was on his desk in nothing covered in Drake. Hot damn…
“Baby… you are always so ready for me,” he teased.
“When you’re around, I’m always ready,” I moaned back into his ear.
I grabbed his belt and ripped it off his black dress pants. Seconds later I unbuttoned them and down they went. I wiggled his briefs off slowly with my feet and unbuttoned his gray dress shirt, removing his silk tie in the process.
“What if someone walks in?” I asked between kissing his lips and feeling his hard on with the tips of my fingers.
He arched back and moaned, “don’t care… Oh god, Molly, that’s amazing…” He couldn’t even finish his sentence and soon he was inside taking me hard. I tried to be quiet not knowing whether or not people outside in the hall would hear us. Part of me didn’t care at that very moment.
“I love you Molly. Please don’t leave me…” Drake begged as he continued to thrust inside me.
“You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried,” I said kissing him back.
He laid me flat on his desk brushing anything in the way on the floor. He lifted my legs slightly upward and pushed deeper inside me. Our souls connected and there was nothing that could break us. We were two people becoming one at that very moment. Given that we had very different lifestyles, in that moment, it no longer mattered.
After our erotic love making on his desk, Drake took me by surprise when he asked me to go away with him that weekend. I was blown away that he had set aside a whole weekend for just him and me. And a little curious what he had in mind. Did it matter? No.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Drake had his driver pick me up from my apartment Friday evening after my class. Stella was going to stay with Michael for the time being. I could only imagine the mischief he would get them into.
Okay, that’s the mom in me. This weekend is about you and Drake. Just relax. And breathe.
“Where are we going?” I asked the driver. I hoped Drake would be the one to pick me up but I assumed it was part of the surprise.
“You’ll see soon, Miss Woods,” he grinned.
“Molly,” I corrected. He shot me a look as if I offended him. “Miss Woods sounds old,” I explained.
I poured myself a glass of champagne that was in the limo and by the time, I finished it the limo stopped. I tried to peak out the window but it was too dark, and I couldn’t see a thing. The driver came around and opened my door for me, escorting me out. I looked around and noticed we were in an airline runway. I heard it before I saw it.
The sounds of propellers filled the air. I swung around to seeing Drake walking towards me. I gave him a questioning look, as I was very confused on what was going on.
What in the world…
“Evening baby,” he grabbed my face and sunk in for a deep kiss.
“What is going on, Drake?” My eyes were lit up as I saw the helicopter behind him.
“This is my chopper,” he said casually as if owning a helicopter was no big deal.
“Are we flying in it?” I asked dumbfounded.
Oh god…
“Of course. We only have the weekend babe. I want to get there as soon as possible.” He grabbed my hand and kissed it with a curious look. He grabbed me and led me to the helicopter.
“Holy shit, Drake. I have never been in one of these!” I yelled over the noise trying to let him know I was a little nervous.
“Don’t worry babe. You’re in great hands.” He flashed his beautiful white smile at me. He brushed his hand against my cheek. “I love you, Molly. I want you to enjoy this weekend.”
After doing all of the helicopter checks and getting buckled in, we were ready to go. We lifted off the ground slowly getting an amazing view of all the Chicago lights. It was by far the best part of Chicago. The view and the lights were stunning.
“Wow… this is incredible!” I said amazed into my headset. I smiled at him as he squeezed my hand. I couldn’t believe I was getting to experience this with the man I love. With Drake.
Drake squeezed my hand and smiled at me. He could see my face light up and I could tell it pleased him to see me this way. The city lights distanced and the higher up we went. The sky was breathtaking. It was a cloudless evening and we could see the whole city beneath us.
“Where are we going?” I turned to look at Drake.
“Northern Wisconsin,” he smiled. I gave him a puzzling look, as I had no idea why he would take me up there. “We’re going to a secluded cabin retreat – just you and me.” He lifted my hand up to his lips and kissed it so sweetly.
We landed up in a private cabin resort that overlooked the Great Lakes. It was breathtakingly beautiful. It was the exact opposite of Chicago and didn’t even compare to Iowa. It was serene.
“Wow,” was all I could say. He gestured for my hand and helped me out of the helicopter. He grabbed our bags and led me to the cabin near by. It was an amazing two-story cabin with a wrap-around porch and big windows. I couldn’t believe where we were. Stunning.
We walked in and my jaw dropped. Inside the foyer, a staircase led up to the second floor with
amazing recessed lights beaming down at us. There was a large stone fireplace already lit making crackling noises. I smiled as I stared at it soaking in the view and loving the noises the fire was making. I felt a rush of sudden serenity. It was like a home away from home feeling.
“I absolutely love this!” I wrapped my arms around Drake’s neck and leaned in for a kiss. It started soft and innocent, but then Drake deepened the kiss. He dropped our bags to the floor, wrapped his arms around my back, and pulled me in closer.
“I love you Molly,” he said in between heaving breathing. He lifted me up and swung my legs around him.
I clung closer to him and kissed me passionately. “I love you too, Drake. More than I know how to express…” He deepened the kiss and started walking up the stairs.
Holy shit, he’s strong.
I felt him take the last step and he spun me around against the wall. I laughed in his mouth as he tried removing my heels. I slowly unbuttoned his shirt while he played with my hair. It was like no matter where we were or what we were doing; we couldn’t get enough of each other.
“I will never get tired of you, Molly. You have changed my whole world.” He slowed the kissing and looked deep into my eyes. This man was incredible. He was so open and affectionate. I was definitely not used to it. But I’m sure I will.
“Meeting you was the best thing that’s happened to me in four years, baby. I don’t want us ever getting tired on one another,” I said kissing him back and slowly removing his shirt off his broad shoulders.
“That could never happen, sweetheart.” He ripped his shirt off and grabbed me off the wall and continued down the hall. “I love you so much Molly. I will always want you…” Drake moved his lips down to my neck and over my collarbone. I let out a moan in his ear as he placed me on the bed. I opened my eyes slowly to see rose petals spread across the floor. This man was a serious romantic. And he loved me.
I reached up and pulled my shirt off helping him gain access to me quicker as he kissed down my chest. I arched my back for him helping him unclasp my bra as he threw it across the room. I giggled as how intense he was at getting me naked as soon as he could. We have been on land for all of twenty minutes and here we were already all over each other.
Kitchen Affairs: A Riverside Novel (The Riverside Trilogy) Page 11
