Letting Go of You (Anchored Hearts #2)

by J. M. Witt

  When I got home, put away my gifts, and then changed my clothes, I really started debating about doing the boudoir photos. What more intimate of a gift could I get? And, it was something he didn’t have. He had mentioned wanting to take a picture of me when we were at the club. I called the number, fully expecting I’d get voicemail, when a gentleman answered the phone.

  “Hi, umm, I was calling about getting some photos done for my boyfriend for Christmas.”

  His name was Cole Meadows. “I’m pretty booked and only take appointments by referral. How’d you get my number?”

  “Oh, well Jane Whitford referred me.” There was still silence on the line. “She’s actually the cousin to my boyfriend, James Benedict.” I hated throwing his name out like that, but I really wanted to do this and prayed it would work.

  “Why didn’t you say James referred you? I have some openings this week in the evening. Which evening would you prefer?”

  “Oh God, well, I don’t have anything to wear?”

  “Isn’t that the point?” I couldn’t help but snicker. “I’m just saying, if you’re doing boudoir photos, less is more. Bring some lingerie, maybe a shirt and tie of his and some jewelry. I’ll have my hair and makeup artist here.”

  “Oh, ok. Umm, I can do Wednesday.”

  He gave me the address of the studio before hanging up. I already knew immediately what I wanted to take. I ran upstairs and grabbed my items to make sure they were clean. I was walking out of the laundry room when I heard my phone chime to alert me of a text.

  Thinking of you.

  XOXO ~J

  Same here.

  XOXO ~C

  Sometimes he could be annoyingly vague. Not in the mood for TV, I crawled up on the couch with my laptop and opened iTunes. I opened up my ‘James’ playlist and began adding and removing songs as I saw fit. The list was mixed with songs of hope, love, angst, you know, the typical lovers mix. Eventually I just put my songs on shuffle and finished decorating the tree. I’d managed to put the lights on and a few ornaments the other night, but hadn’t gotten around to finishing it. Once it was done I headed up to bed.

  ~<>~<>~<>~

  Wednesday evening I drove over to the photo studio. James had come over the night before with carry out and an apology. I couldn’t help but feel that the way he was behaving was childish. We didn’t discuss moving in anymore, though it still bugged me. I knew he was what I wanted. I’d never felt or been this serious about anyone before. Maybe he was right and we weren’t ready. It just seemed silly to wait. We weren’t kids anymore, we were both grown adults. All he had to do was touch me and I melted for him and he knew it.

  Walking into the building, I headed toward the elevator. When I reached my floor, I headed to the door and rang the bell. A young girl, with hair and makeup to rival any rock princess, answered the door and ushered me inside. I walked into a large studio apartment, that had it been during the day it would’ve had amazing natural light. There were lights and backdrops set up and a big bed as well. I noticed a vanity with hair and makeup products setup all around.

  “I’m Maize, Cole’s girlfriend, makeup artist, etc. You must be Cassidy.”

  “I am. You’ve got an amazing setup here.”

  “Thanks. We live in the apartment next door. This is our studio for work. You know, you’re prettier in person. The papers haven’t done you justice.”

  I blushed at that. “Thanks, I think. I’m not sure the papers do anyone justice.” We both laughed at that. She had me set my bag down and then took my coat. “I have to admit that I’m terribly nervous. I’ve never had my pictures taken for this purpose.”

  “No worries. You’ll do great. Sit here and I’ll start on your hair and makeup. I really want to play up those eyes of yours.”

  I sat down at the vanity as Maize started on my hair and makeup. She put my hair in rollers first, and then began my makeup. Half way through that process I heard someone else moving around the studio. My eyes found a man moving lights, backdrops and other props around the room. He spotted me watching him and walked over to me.

  “Cassidy? It’s a pleasure. I’m Cole. What did you have in mind for today?”

  “Hi Cole. Well, Jane said you had some ideas for her and that you probably would for me too.”

  “You have haunting eyes and beautiful skin. Anything you don’t want to show or are excited to show?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Alright, we’ll take it slow. It can be a grueling process, but we’ll get it done.”

  A little while later I walked out of the bathroom wearing his t-shirt that I had claimed as my own. It covered me the most and I figured it was best to start with, to get me comfortable. Maize had done my makeup slightly darker than my normal and said she’d darken it as we went. Maize came over then and reassured me that everything would be fine. We took a few shots by the window and then some in the bed before I changed outfits.

  ~<>~<>~<>~

  “Alright, I think that’s a wrap Cassidy.”

  Maize came over and untied me from the bed. Halfway through taking pictures, they had brought up the club and the use of bondage. At first I was speechless and Cole and Maize just shrugged their shoulders and reassured me that my secret was safe with them. Cole had then asked if I was opposed to some pictures with some bondage. I hesitated, but then agreed to it, figuring James would absolutely love them.

  When we were done, we didn’t discuss anything else club related. I threw on my sweats and his t-shirt, but left my purple corset on with the plan to head to the hotel to surprise James.

  “I should have the pictures ready for you next week. I’ll give you a call when they’re ready to be picked up.”

  “Great. Thank you so much.” I shook both their hands before heading out.

  When I got to my car, I pulled out my phone to check for any missed calls or texts. I had a few from James, but instead of checking them I just called him instead.

  “Cassidy, I can’t hear you. I’m out…”

  I could barely hear him. It sounded like he was out at a club. He mentioned this morning he had some business meetings tonight with Smith and some other people. Some business meeting. The line then broke the call. Wondering who and where he was I tried to not get annoyed. I decided to text him that I was headed home.

  ~<>~<>~<>~

  The next morning when I got to work I caught Lena in my office. I eyed her curiously as she held the morning paper behind her back. It had become a ritual of hers, especially if there was anything involving James or I in the paper.

  I reached out my hand. “Lay it on me Lena.”

  She handed me the paper and I moved behind my desk. Throwing the paper down on the desk, I wasn’t expecting to see what I saw. I dropped down in my chair and waved Lena out of the room.

  James and Melissa were on the front page. They were clearly at a club of some kind and Melissa was hanging all over him. I gripped the edges of the paper so tightly that I ripped a hole in the center. What in the hell was going on? We were supposed to have Christmas dinner with his family that coming weekend. And Melissa, they were convinced she was working with Dan in some form or fashion or that she at least had some insight. My cell started buzzing in my purse. Fuck off. I didn’t have to look at my phone to know who it was. The ringtone gave him away.

  I spent most of the day with Cecily, in her office. She continued to show me the ins and outs of the business. It was very exciting for me and she mentioned that she was happy to find me so enthusiastic on more than one occasion. Cecily went home a couple hours early and I dove in to more work. I had some ideas I wanted to run past her. When I finally left it was well past dinner time. My phone was dead, probably from too many texts and calls from James. I got in my car, plugged my phone into the charger and nothing happened. Shit.

  I pulled out my keys to start it up and still nothing happened. You’ve got to be kidding me. My phone was dead, my car was dead, it was dark and the garage was practically empty. I’
d have to walk back up to the office and use the phone to call someone. James or Cal? That was the question. I locked my car back up after I grabbed my phone cord—thankful it was a both a car and wall charger—and headed back to the building.

  The elevator was taking forever and I heard a loud noise come from inside the garage. Without thought I began running up the stairwell. My office was only a few floors up. I heard the door open below me and I became utterly panicked. It was late, the building should be empty. I ran up the stairs faster, but not without slipping and scraping my knee on the stairs. I could hear the steps, behind me, trampling up the stairs, getting closer and closer. I flung open the door to my floor and ran into the hallway.

  My lanyard was around my neck, with my key card. Cecily had put in a new security system so we no longer had actual keys. We either punched in a code or used our key cards. I slouched down to run my key under the scanner when I heard the stairwell door fly open behind me. The beep sounded and the door opened for me. I saw the dark figure approaching me, he was so close, but I managed to shut the glass doors just as he reached me. He had on a ski mask that covered everything but his dark, hollow eyes. He frantically pulled on the door, but it didn’t budge.

  “I’m coming for you.” He banged his fists on the glass door as I stumbled to the receptionist desk and grabbed the phone.

  I don’t know why I didn’t call 9-1-1. Instead I dialed James. Cops meant media and media meant more trouble. When I looked up, my attacker was gone as far as I could see, but there was no way I was leaving this building alone. James didn’t answer the call, probably thinking it was a wrong number. I fumbled with my purse, pulling out my charger and my phone. I plugged it into the power strip under the desk before grabbing the desk phone again. I tried him one more time and that time he answered.

  “Hello?”

  “J, James…”

  “Cassidy, what’s wrong? Where are you?”

  I started crying, “I’m at work, my car…someone was chasing me.” I heard him yell for Smith before asking if I was safe. I told him I was locked in my office and hiding under the receptionist desk.

  “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  “Please don’t hang up.”

  “Ok, I won’t hang up. We’re on our way. Do you have somewhere you can go and lock yourself in?”

  “Yes, but my cell is dead.”

  “Ok, just stay under the desk and out of sight. Did he leave, where’s the attacker?”

  “I got inside just in time. I think he left. I don’t know. Please be careful.”

  The minutes that followed felt like hours. I was still on the phone with James, but I hadn’t said anything. Listening to him walk through the garage, then up the stairwell as he made his way to me, listening as he and Smith exchanged words like they were undercover. The knock on the glass door had me almost pissing myself.

  “Cassidy, it’s me. What’s the code?” Too afraid to move, I gave him the code. “You’re safe.” The words didn’t come from the phone, but instead from in front of me. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

  “I should call the police.” I let him pull me up off the floor as he checked me over.

  “Smith is taking care of it. Are you hurt?” I shook my head as he persuaded me, “Come on.” I don’t remember much more until we got to his waiting truck.

  Chapter 5 ~Shackle

  ~ JAMES ~

  “Paul fucking Vincent! How the hell have you been?” We clasped hands before we exchanged a hug.

  “I’m good man. It’s great to be back in town. You two have some fun planned for me tonight I hope!”

  Smith, Paul and I all laughed.

  “I’m all done here. Let’s go grab some dinner and see where the night leads us.”

  Smith and Paul headed for the elevator as I grabbed my briefcase. Glancing at my cell, I saw that there were no other texts or calls from Cassidy. It sounded like she was busy with work and would be even more so if Cecily was promoting her.

  The three of us were laughing as we walked out of the hotel restaurant, headed for my truck. “So, where to boys?”

  Smith and Paul eyed each other. “You know where I want to go. That crazy fucking dance slash sex club of yours. Last time I was in town I had quite the adventure.” Smith agreed, mentioning that Delaney would probably be their dancing anyways.

  I didn’t want to go without Cassidy, but it was already getting late. Odds were she wouldn’t even find out. We made our way to the club and headed to the upper floor, reserved for VIPs and started a game of pool. I wasn’t a big dancer, rarely persuaded, and didn’t want to draw attention to myself. A couple hours and several drinks later we were sitting around bullshitting.

  “So, who is she?” Paul was staring right at me and I knew his question was directed at me.

  “Who’s who?”

  “Please. Nothing stops James Benedict from chasing tail. You’re not chasing. Who is she?”

  I just smiled and took a swig of my beer.

  “Ah, she’s a fiery redhead.” I glared at Smith as his words left his mouth.

  “Redhead huh? I had me a redhead once. What’s her name?”

  Paul was interrupted and I was able to keep Cassidy to myself a little bit longer, thanks to Melissa. FUCK. She had appeared out of nowhere and started working her magic. Magic that no longer worked on me.

  “Hello there boys.” She eyed me the whole time, only briefly drifting her eyes over to Paul. “It’s Paul, right? Long time no see.” How the fuck did they know each other? He was such a man whore, like I had room to talk. “Melissa, we met a couple years ago.” She reminded Paul of her name as she walked closer.

  “I remember. Won’t ever forget it.” I rolled my eyes at him. He could have her.

  That was my cue to head home. Before I could get up, Melissa sat down between us and wrapped her arms around our shoulders. “Smile pretty boys.”

  At that moment the flash from a cell phone burst through the dark room. “God dammit, Melissa.” I shrugged her off me and stood.

  “Just a photo with friends. Hope you don’t mind.”

  “Smith and Paul, I’m leaving. Speak now or forever hold your peace.”

  “D and I can drive you home. You’re in no condition to drive.” We all looked to Paul who was already nose to nose with Melissa. It was his life. Maybe Melissa would focus her attention on him and leave me be.

  We went out again Tuesday night and Wednesday night. Paul was pulling together his team as Smith and I went over the project with him. The meetings were lasting all day and night, but we were getting shit done, finally. I had plans for the Blue Horse, the house and several other properties and I needed to get moving on them. I managed to leave the meeting early enough on Tuesday to take carry out over to Cassidy’s.

  Wednesday we were out playing pool again, when Cassidy called. I’d left her a few voice messages and texts earlier in the evening. I knew she had plans, so it made the meetings that much easier to get through. Her call was cut short as I wasn’t able to hear her. She texted me shortly after to let me know she was headed home. I ended up out with the boys, way too late again, and headed home to the hotel.

  The next morning when I got to my office, later than usual, the paper was sitting on my desk like it always was. Front and center was the selfie that Melissa snapped of us on Monday night. FUCK. I picked up my cell and called Cassidy. No doubt she would see this picture and think the worst. She knew that I suspected Melissa had something to do with Dan and would be furious if she thought I was spending time with her.

  She ignored my calls, but I continued calling Cassidy throughout the day. Eventually it started going straight to voicemail. Meetings consumed my time for rest of the day. I had a late afternoon meeting that I was going to try to cut short and then head over to her place to explain what was going on.

  Smith and I were in the parking garage after our last meeting when my phone rang. I pulled it out of my pocket, surprise and relief flooded me when
I saw that is was Cassidy calling from her office. I took a moment to prepare myself for the firestorm that was coming.

  “Hello?”

  “J, James…” She was shaking and panting for air, I could tell by the sound of her voice.

  “Cassidy, what’s wrong? Where are you?”

  She started crying, “I’m at work, my car. Someone was chasing me.”

  “Smith, follow me, Cassidy’s in trouble.”

  She told me she was locked in her office and hiding under the front reception desk. I hopped in my truck and barreled out of the parking garage, Smith close on my tail. Panic was ripping through me at the thought of her being harmed. We made it to her office building in no time. Smith and I scoped the place out, he was armed and I took a mental note to put my gun back in my glove box. Nothing suspicious jumped out at us. We took the stairs up to her floor, as I talked to her through the phone, reassuring her I was on my way.

  My blood was boiling. I knew I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions, but someone was after Cassidy, and I had a feeling I knew who. She was shaking like a leaf when I reached her, huddled under the desk like a little child. Her nylons were ripped and her knee was bloody. If I found out who did this to her, he’d be lucky if I didn’t rip his throat out.

  As I walked her to my truck I thought about the events of the week. She’d ignored my calls all day and rightly so. I had gone out with Paul every night that week and we both had a few too many drinks. Melissa had showed up again the previous night and that’s when I left, but not before the press got some more pictures of her hanging on me. Fuck.

  I had to get to the bottom of this Dan thing before I lost my patience and put him six feet under. I was beginning to suspect that Melissa was in cahoots with him. I would need her help, knowing I could convince her to help me, and that would not go over well with Cassidy. I looked over to her and reached around her to buckle her in.