I don’t know if that was the only reason. I still got the sense he wasn’t telling me everything. But I knew that what he was saying was true. Everyone in his family had their own security detail.
“Will you at least give me some time to process?”
“Sure, beautiful. It’ll take me a few days to get Jim moved here. Just promise me you won’t go running at night by yourself.”
“I promise.” I hadn’t planned to anyways, so the promise was an easy one. “Now will you take me to bed?” I teased.
“That’s a given.” He tugged my arms forward until I was draped over his shoulder. I giggled with eagerness as he marched us to bed. Both of us putting the night’s events out of our minds, drowned in sensation, wielding our delicious climax.
Friday morning, we had another knock out battle about him taking me and picking me up from work. We finally compromised on him taking me to lunch, after I pointed out he could potentially be held up at work, stranding me without a ride.
I had planned to wait for him on the sidewalk at lunch time, seeing how it would look suspicious to Tom if I had an unexpected lunch with our new client – without Tom or his knowledge. My plan was foiled the moment Rhett sauntered confidently through the door, looking delectable as always. I was momentarily distracted from my discontent by the racy thoughts running through my head.
He showed no hesitation walking straight up to my desk to retrieve me. His eyes were husky with lust. My eyes widened. I silently pleaded with him not to kiss me, no matter how much I actually wanted him to kiss me.
“Beautiful,” Rhett greeted me with his naughty, naughty smile. Oh. God. He was going to have me melting in a puddle right here in my chair. I was already feeling needy.
“Mr. Blackwood?” I heard Tom’s voice come from behind me. Shit. Get ahold of yourself, Ava. “I didn’t realize you were coming in today.”
I straightened my back and looked away from Rhett, pretending to busy myself, because I had no idea what else to do. Rhett raised a curious eyebrow at me before turning towards my approaching boss.
“Tom,” Rhett reached out his hand to shake my boss’s. “My apologies for the unexpected visit.”
I glanced past the two of them –praying Rhett didn’t give me up – to look at Joce, who was watching the whole exchange like it was the best new drama on TV with a shit-eating grin on her face. All she needed was a box of popcorn to go with her blatant enjoyment of my discomfort. I glared at her, and she gave me a shrug of her shoulder, showing no sympathy. Bitch.
“I was in the neighborhood and just stopped by to offer to take Ms. Conner to lunch. I wanted to thank her for everything.”
“That’s very generous of you, Mr. Blackwood. Ava, take your time at lunch. No need to rush back,” Tom gave me his approval. Of course he did. All he sees is his children’s tuition when he looks at Rhett. I wouldn’t be surprised if he billed my lunch time with Rhett as a business meeting.
“Thank you, Tom,” I said, still keeping my gaze off Rhett. I didn’t trust my body to not give me away.
“Ms. Conner, shall we?” Rhett offered his hand to help me up from my desk.
“Right. Let me just get my purse.” I nervously moved to grab my things as Tom stood watching us. I ignored Rhett’s hand, helping myself up, walking past him straight for the door, leaving him to follow.
He caught up to me, opening the door for me. He grabbed my hand as soon as we hit the sidewalk outside my office. I glared at him before glancing back to make sure Tom hadn’t seen. Luckily, Tom had already turned to walk back to his office.
“Rhett, you’re going to get me fired. You should have waited in the car.”
“That’s ridiculous. I will not hide from Tom, Ava.”
“Not even if it means costing the woman you love her job?” I asked hopefully as he opened the passenger door for me. His brow furrowed in disbelief.
“He won’t fire you.”
“He might.” I slid into the seat.
“Ava, you need to tell Tom. That’s the last time I’m pretending that our relationship is purely professional.”
“I can’t. What am I supposed to tell him? What if he wants to take me off the project?”
“You can and you will. I don’t care what you tell him as long as he knows we’re together. He won’t take you off the project.”
“How do you know?”
“Because I will make sure of it.” He leaned in, giving me a peck on the lips, before shutting my door and joining me in the car.
Arrogant bastard. What was I going to tell Tom? Maybe I could just avoid future lunches and meetings with Rhett. Who was I kidding?
“Can you at least pretend until after your house is built? I will tell him as soon as we’re done working on the project.” I buckled my seatbelt.
“No. Either you tell him or I will.” Well, shit.
We made out like a couple of randy teenagers in his car after lunch. I had at least convinced him to park down the road from my office, concerned Tom might be coming back from lunch and catch us. If I was honest, the thrill of getting caught made it a little more exciting as we kissed and groped.
“I need to go inside,” I panted as I broke our kiss. My hair disheveled, lips swollen.
“And I need to be inside you,” Rhett said, pulling my lips back to his. I didn’t resist, allowing him to kiss and grope me a little longer. His hand coasted up my thigh under my skirt. I broke our kiss - my head falling back on the headrest as his fingers pushed inside me, and his lips found their way to my neck.
“Seriously, Rhett. I need to get back to work,” I said unconvincingly. Heavy breathing escaping my lips.
“Hush, beautiful. I’m working.” I closed my eyes, letting him work – massage, rub, stroke – his fingers masterfully.
My moans increased as he brought my body to its precipice. My hands gripped his broad shoulders needing something to hold onto as he took me over the edge.
“Oh…my…shit!” I gasped as my orgasm rolled through me. Rhett released a throaty chuckle in my neck as I tried bringing my breathing to a normal pace. His relentless lips not making it easy.
“I will let that one slide,” he said, referring to my foul language, flashing his wicked grin at me. I slapped his shoulder weakly. My body still recovering from his exploitation.
I opened the mirror of the visor to check my appearance before heading back into the office. It was worse than I thought. I looked like I had been royally fucked. My hair a mess, lips abused, cheeks flushed.
“I look terrible.”
“You look beautiful.”
I rolled my eyes as I tried my best to fix my wild hair. All the while, Rhett watched, grinning at me proudly. After a few minutes of trying to straighten my hair, I dropped my hands giving up. It was useless. I turned accusingly towards him. This was his fault. He showed no remorse. Just laughed at my disgruntled face.
“Come on, babe. I’ll walk you to the office,” he took my hand, kissing my knuckles. Heat and tingles radiated from them like ripples in water. He released my hand, stepping out of the car. I watched him as he walked around the front of the car, straightening his jacket, his confidence unshakeable. He opened the passenger door to help me out.
He walked me to my office, grasping my hand tight in his. I tried more than once to break free with each step that brought us closer to the door. Every time, he gripped tighter.
“Stop it, Ava,” he warned.
I huffed. “What if he sees us?”
“Good. Then you’ll have no excuse not to tell him.”
“Please, Rhett,” I begged. We were only a couple feet from the storefront of my office, where we would soon be visible from inside. His movement was sudden, pulling me to the side of the building in an alley way. My back landed against the stucco wall, his body pressed against mine, holding me in place.
His eyes dropped to my parting lips. I instantly wanted him all over me, after moments ago wanting to separate us. How did he do that?
“What do you propose?” I proceeded cautiously. I knew his compromises usually ended in him getting his way anyways. He hesitated.
“I need you to ask Joce to go out for drinks tonight.” The shock of his request had me less cautious and more confused. Rhett wouldn’t normally ask me to go out for drinks, especially without him. My eyebrow cocked curiously.
“Why would you want me to do that?”
“I don’t necessarily want you to, but I owe Riley. He’s coming into town tonight and plans to surprise her. He wants to make sure he knows where she is when he arrives. We both plan to meet up with you.”
“So he wants me to keep tabs on her? Be his spy?” I smiled excited and thrilled for my friend. Riley really did like her if he was going through all this effort.
“Not necessarily a spy. He just wants to make sure nothing goes wrong.”
“Okay. Though, I’m kind of surprised you’re even getting involved in this little plan.”
“What can I say…you’ve made me a believer. Plus, like I said, I owe him…,” he paused. His playful demeanor becoming more serious, “Promise me you won’t drink until I get there.”
“How am I supposed to ask her for drinks and then not drink? That’ll look suspicious.” He contemplated this.
“One drink.”
“Okay,” I agreed. He wouldn’t know if I had more than one, anyways. It’s not like I planned to throw them back haphazardly. “I should get back to work.”
“Same,” he pressed his lips to mine. He kissed me passionately before stepping away, allowing me to push my needy body away from the wall. “Text me where you two decide to go. I’ll meet you after work.”
“Okay.”
“Be safe, beautiful.” His words and eyes heavy with concern.
“Always.” He gave me a quick kiss one more time before leaving me to return to his car.
CHAPTER 13
The bar was packed with Friday night party-goers and business professionals with drunken ambitions. We had decided on the Luxxe Martini bar in downtown. I suggested the location due to the proximity to Rhett’s office. He had texted earlier that he was going to be late, so I wanted to make sure it was close enough that he could get here without getting stuck in L.A. traffic.
Riley had already landed and was on his way to the bar. Joce and I parted ways when we walked into the bar. She set out in search of a table, while I headed to the wooden oval shaped bar to order our martinis. The bar sat in the middle of the space, with an island in the center that held a tower of glass shelves decorated with liquor bottles and colored lights.
I bellied up to the bar looking around as I waited patiently for the bartender to make his way to me. The Luxxe was an upscale dive bar – stylish but mellow. The lighting was dim and intimate, making me yearn for Rhett to make his appearance, so I could cuddle up in his lap in a dark corner.
I watched the bartender work efficiently, mixing and shaking our martinis into delicious perfections. He handed me our drinks and I opened a tab, leaving to find Joce.
She had snagged us a location with a perfect view of the entry. Joce and I chatted as we drank our martini cocktails. Mine went down a little too fast, and I was desperately wanting another. Joce still had half a drink, so I left her to hold the table, while I went for another round. Two wouldn’t hurt. I would stop after two.
I stepped up to the bar and ordered myself another round. I idly stood, waiting for the bartender to return with my drink. “Glad to see you are alive and well.” I heard a gruff voice from beside me. I flinched. Shame sinking my heart to my stomach. I turned to face an unhappy Owen leaning against the bar next to me. “I guess that means you’re just avoiding me.”
“Owen. I’m sorry. I’ve been meaning to call you.”
“Right. I get the hint.”
“No, seriously. I’ve just been busy, since I got back and-”
“Save your excuses, Ava. I’m not that desperate that I’m going to beg for a date.” His words were angry and hurtful. “I just thought you’d at least give me the courtesy of not leading me on.”
“Owen–”
“Have a nice life, Ava.” He hesitated a moment, looking past me before turning his back on me, walking away. I sank back against the bar, watching him disappear into the densely packed bodies. Damn it. That was not how I wanted that conversation to play out. I should have called him sooner. I turned back to the bar, picking up my martini, shaking off my humiliation.
I watched the entrance for Riley, anticipating his arrival. I listened to Joce talk, but was having a hard time focusing on her words. I started to feel light-headed. The martini must be stronger than I’m used to. I know I’m a light weight, but I hadn’t even gotten half-way through my second drink.
When the dizziness wasn’t subsiding, I decided to get some water. Getting up from the table, I told Joce I would be right back. My body felt heavy as I attempted to walk to the bar.
I stumbled. The room spun. My mind was foggy. My body weakened. My vision blurred. I saw a hazy Owen coming towards me. I closed my eyes, trying to refocus them. I opened them - transfixed on a worried Riley running at me as I felt my body collapsing.
My body hit the ground hard. I couldn’t move. I heard a yelling Riley and a terrified Joce. Then everything went black.
There was a beeping sound I recognized. Where do I know that sound? It reminded me of the sound I heard before my father took his last breaths. My body feels weighted. I see nothing but blackness. I heard deep angry voices yelling in the distance. I felt a small warm hand clasped with mine. I wiggled my fingers.
“Ava?” I heard a tiny grief stricken voice. I tried opening my eyes, but I’m blinded with a harsh bright light and close them instantly. “Ava, can you hear me?”
“Hmm,” I moaned. I couldn’t speak. My mouth was dry and throat scratchy.
“Rhett! She’s waking up.” I heard the tiny voice call behind herself. I now recognized it as Joce. The yelling ceased. Hearing Rhett’s name, had me forcing my eyes to open. I wanted to see him.
I squinted, letting my eyes adjust to the blinding light as I felt his strong hand take mine.
“Ava, beautiful?” I heard his hoarse, desperate voice.
“Rhett,” I tried to speak, but my voice cracked.
“Yes, babe. I’m here. Joce, get her some water.” I opened my eyes fully as they adjust, staring up at his beautiful strained face. I looked past him. Joce was pouring a glass of water and a distraught Riley stood in the door frame.
“I’ll get the doctor,” Riley said. Rhett turned, eyeing him, the tension between them tangible. Rhett looked back at me as Joce handed him a cup of water.
“Here, babe. Drink this.” He handed me the cup and then helped me sit up. I drank the water as they both watched me intently, making me feel self-conscious. I finished the water as a gray haired man, who I assumed is the doctor, walked into the room followed by a nurse and Riley.
“Ms. Conner, I’m Dr. Montgomery,” he introduced himself, “We’re just going to check your vitals really quick and then go over a few things.”
The nurse moved, taking my blood pleasure and temperature. The doctor waved a light in my eyes and listened to my heart as Rhett sat on the other side of the bed holding my hand. Riley and Joce are wrapped in each other’s arms, standing on the other side of the room.
The silence is making me uneasy. I wracked my brain trying to figure out how I ended up in the hospital. “What happened?” I finally asked, not able to take the silence and solemn mood in the room.
Dr. Montgomery rolled a stool up beside the bed, taking a seat. “Ms. Conner, you arrived here in and out of consciousness. Your body was immobile and you weren’t responsive. We took a blood test and found traces of the drug Rohypnol.”
“Rohypnol?”
“Yes, more commonly known as roofies or the date-rape drug.”
“I don’t understand. How?”
“Well, that
’s something we’re hoping you can help answer. The police are waiting outside to ask you some questions.”
“I don’t know. I…,” I glanced at Rhett for help.
“Ava, babe. Did you ever leave your drink unattended?” I tried to recall the night’s events. The last thing I remembered was returning from the bar after ordering my second drink. I don’t remember ever leaving it or the first one.
“No. I didn’t. I had it the whole time.”
“Was there anybody that ever approached you? Maybe distracted you from your drink? Tried to hit on you? Anybody you saw or talked to that could have wanted to do this?”
I shook my head as I searched my brain for answers. We had barely been there an hour. I was with Joce the whole time. Nobody had approached me except….no. No way. He would never do that. Owen was a good guy. I looked away from Rhett and down at my hands.
“No,” I lied. I looked back up, seeing Joce shift uncomfortably in Riley’s arms. She looked at me as if she wanted to say something, but decided not to.
Rhett let out a frustrated sigh. “I’m sorry,” I apologized to Rhett.
“Don’t apologize, beautiful,” he took my face in the palm of his hand. Two police officer’s knocked on the open door.
“Are you up for a few questions, Ms. Conner?”
I nodded my head. They entered the room, going over similar questions that Rhett had already asked me. I gave them the same answers, knowing I was no help at all. They thanked me for my time, and said they would let me know if they found out anything. They handed me a business card with a number to call if I remembered anything else.
After the police, doctor and nurse left, the four of us sat quietly in my hospital room. Riley glanced over at Rhett, breaking the silence.
“I’m going to take Joce home. I’ll stop by the bar and question the bartender working that night. See if I can find out anything.”
Rhett stood, turning on him, seething as he stared him down. “You’ve done enough, Riley. I don’t need your help,” he scowled. He was fighting to control his temper. I had no idea why he was so angry with his friend.
The Only One Page 16
