Wicked Sunshine

by Justine Winter

  She laughs between hiccups.

  “That’s a yes then?” I raise my brows. Though I must say I’m highly impressed that she managed to spit that out when she can’t even stand still. Oh, it’s going to be a fun night.

  “Well, it’s the weekend. I henceforth decree from this day forward that the eve of Saturday’s be spent drunk and naked.” She salutes the air, effectively smacking me in the face.

  I shirk it off, things just got interesting. “Are you alone when you’re drunk and naked or is a certain companion worthy of your time?”

  “We’ll call it Mayson time.”

  “Mayson time?”

  She nods repeatedly. “Yes, Maya and Grayson time! People will ask us out, and we’ll reply with, ‘Sorry, I can’t do Saturdays. I have Mayson.’ And while they’re sulking at the lack of our presence we’ll be too busy christening every bit of property you own.”

  Fuck me, that does sound good. I hope she realises just how much sex that entails. My name is on a lot of deeds. Shit, talk about a prompt penis. I’ve got one strong pants pusher going on.

  “Sunshine, you’re fucking adorable,” I whisper in her ear, scraping my teeth along her skin.

  She lifts my head, a mischievous smile on her face. “No, Grayson. I’m fucking horny.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  ~ £ ~

  Monday morning meetings with my publicist are a sure fire way to dampen the week ahead. It often leads to chastising, some foul language, and always ends with a firm slapping to the wrist. Shit, who am I kidding with this nice picture? Basically, it’s like being whacked around the head with a wooden ruler whilst the stout matron grips my bollocks in a tight vise. She’ll crank and crank until she’s satisfied I’ve meted out my punishment.

  The fucking archaic bitch.

  Because of this, you’d think it’s enough for me to curb my ways, make sure I hold my tongue, keep my dick in. But I’m a firm believer of acting first, begging for forgiveness after. Only, my charm and wit never seems to work well on the plump mistress.

  I can only conclude that she’s a lesbian. I mean, what other reason could there be?

  So why do I schedule these conferences on such well known miserable days? Well, it’s better to get it over with than be scorned on a Friday morning when the weekend’s antics are about to begin. After all, how can my sword lead the way when it’s cowering behind a big bruise?

  Although, I’ve been quite the good boy recently. You can thank Maya for that. My, oh, my she’s keeping me on the straight and narrow. But I’m still her bad boy. That’ll never change. People are too fickle to understand that real honesty is a gift to be admired, not to be slandered as arrogance.

  “I’m impressed, Grayson.”

  Hold the fucking door. She’s what now? “Impressed?” Notice my hesitation? Yeah, that’s because I’m not sure if she’s invented up some new torturous game in her head. Lead me on with false praise so that my guard’s down when she whips out her stick.

  “Front page news and not a single fuck up. You did good for a change.”

  Oh, the patronising bitch. She’s lucky I need her. “I guess I’m finally listening to all your stellar advice.”

  “Don’t brownnose me, Grayson. Your new squeeze is the one to thank.”

  Brownnose. Isn’t that the greatest way to imply there’s shit on your face without actually offending anyone? It’s not as effective as kiss-arse but the meaning’s the same.

  “And Maya’s more than a squeeze.” Quite a lot more actually, my hands only just fit around her tasty fruit.

  Yes, I went there. I’d like to go there again.

  “Whatever, I don’t have time for this. All questions about your mother are being handled, and if you don’t want to talk about Maya then I suggest you keep your relationship low profile. No more last-minute holidays, parties. Nothing that’s going to cause a stir. You got it?”

  I scoff at the ginger-haired woman. “I can’t take a shit without someone thinking it’s newsworthy.”

  She frowns, her monobrow’s effectively doing the Mexican wave. It’s hard to keep a straight face.

  “Just behave, Grayson. You don’t want your latest company to fall within its first week of opening. There’s only so much my wand can do.”

  And this is the woman that thinks my politeness needs working on? I shrug, distracted by an incoming email. “You got it, Darla. Are we done? No appearances scheduled for this week?”

  She shakes her curly ginger mop of hair. “None yet. I’m waiting to hear back on a few spotlights.” She stands, leaving me with the horde of newspapers on my desk. “Keep Maya around for as long as possible. She seems to be doing something right with you.” Darla closes the door, leaving my balls in place for another week.

  Holy barbequed Jesus. Have I been tamed? Am I the meat on Maya’s skewer, marinating in her pre-approved juices as she waits to grill me over an open flame? Am I the one being controlled here? Fucking hell, I didn’t see this coming. No wonder guys in loved up situations joke that the female is in charge. I’m the one changing.

  But I’m still in control. Right?

  Fucking, Darla. Even when she’s appraising me she’s playing games, twisting me up. Making me freak the fuck out over nothing. You see, ladies. This is the insanity you keep to yourself. I totally just had an illogical bitch fit, didn’t I? Wasn’t I literally just saying myself that Maya’s been curbing my ways? Fucking idiot. Looks like Darla took my balls after all.

  It must definitely be Monday. My brain cells aren’t fusing well together. Yet.

  I click back to my emails, checking out the one that had distracted me before.

  Grayson,

  Mornings aren’t half as sexy when I wake in a bed alone. Masturbating isn’t as satisfying as having your cock filling me up.

  Yours,

  Maya

  Senior Graphic Designer

  Rush House

  Fuck me. Did it just get really hot in here? My cock is swelling tremendously.

  Maya,

  A lesson learnt that sleeping without me is bad for your health. A nourishing lunch is just what you need. I hear a man’s semen does wonders to a woman’s energy levels.

  Always available to test such a theory.

  Your boner-wielding man,

  Grayson

  CEO Rush Enterprises

  P.S. Your new email signature is worthy of your talent. Not to mention a level of possession that suggests you’re mine. Mwahahahaa.

  Doesn’t it sound like I’m giddy? I can’t even begin to explain the relief I find in knowing she’s only a few floors below me. Mid-morning snack, anyone?

  Grayson,

  As tempting as that is, I like a little more sustenance to my meals. Bring me a burger and I’ll give you my buns.

  Maya

  Senior Graphic Designer

  Rush House

  P.S. You can possess me however you like, providing it comes with heartfelt satisfaction. My virtue need not apply when it comes to you.

  I hear the siren of carte blanche freedom screaming, don’t you? If that isn’t an invitation to do as I please to her, then I don’t know what is. It’s driving me wild knowing she wants me as much as I want her. The naughty vixen.

  Maya,

  Keep talking like this and I’ll have you escorted to my office before you put me in the hospital with an unconquerable stiffy.

  You’ll be to blame for its brokenness.

  Hard and horny,

  Grayson

  CEO Rush Enterprises

  Grayson,

  You’re turning me into a sex-craving monster, and I have work to be getting on with.

  Stow that boner for lunch. I have news. We’re seeing my mother next week, it’s the earliest she can do around her shifts.

  Seriously working,

  Maya

  Senior Graphic Designer

  Rush House

  Hold on now. Isn’t she the one that instigated this sexy chatter? And ta
lk about an instant stiffy diffusion. It’s not acceptable to wave the wanger over your girlfriend’s mother. Especially when you haven’t met her yet. Afterwards, well that’s down to your cock to decide if she’s worthy of MILF material. And if she is, my friend, you are in big trouble. Like your sausage is stuck in a meat mincer kind of trouble.

  I’m not suggesting that you should hope she’s ugly, because let’s face it, if you have any visions of a long-term future with your girl, she’s going to look like her mother when she’s older. BUT, you shouldn’t hope that she’s top end of the MILF scale either. Sound conflicting? It should, because it’s fucking complicated! It’s dangerous territory.

  Maya,

  Don’t start what you can’t finish. Teasing makes for a grumpy Grayson.

  I’m looking forward to it.

  You better not be late for lunch. That’s a warning, sunshine.

  Grayson

  CEO Rush Enterprises

  “Mr. Rush. Detectives Grant and Wood are here to see you.”

  Oh, excellent. An erection for the cops to enjoy. Doesn’t Maya have an affinity for getting me excited at the most inopportune moments? You ladies might complain about the torture of your wombs on a monthly basis, but try hiding a sizeable bulge in your trousers at any given moment. It’s not as easy to seem unaffected as you might think.

  I hold the button down on the intercom whilst simultaneously minimizing my emails. “Send them in, Olivia.”

  “Gentlemen,” I say to the plain clothed coppers as they enter the room. “I hope you have good news.”

  “We have Mr. Bennetts in custody.”

  “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”

  I stare at the two men, one large and greying, the other his complete opposite. “Not at all. I’ve had no idea where he is.” It’s true, I haven’t a clue as to what’s been going on. “Where did you find him?”

  The fat one raises a bushy eyebrow. “Tied to a lamppost outside the station.”

  “He was also naked and covered in make-up with a sign suggesting he was offering free sex to anyone that passed.”

  I cough to cover my laughter. Oh, Logan. You did good this time. “A humiliation that barely touches upon the torment my mother received at his hand.”

  “We agree, though for legal appearance’s sake we can’t condone it.” They both smirk to one another.

  “It would be such a pity if a picture were to be leaked to the media,” I muse, planting the seed in their heads. “I appreciate you stopping by with excellent news for a Monday morning.”

  They nod, fatty speaks. “I’m sure the courts will rule in your favour. We have all the evidence we need for a slam dunk. If in the meantime anyone would like to come forward and claim their artistic credit, I’m sure the Chief would appreciate it.”

  I shake their hands, a smile on my face. “I’ll even offer a reward as a thanks.”

  They leave, clearly uninterested in searching for the ‘culprit’. Lazy bastards. See, this is why I put Logan on the task of finding Bennetts in the first place.

  I settle back at my desk, bringing up my list of emails once more. I’m sure Maya replied, but I’m conveniently distracted by another name. One that doesn’t belong in the pile.

  Baby,

  I really need to talk to you. Please stop ignoring me, you’re only making it worse for yourself and everyone around you.

  I’m all the woman that you need.

  Sabrina

  XOXOXOX

  Jesus, fucking, Christ! What the hell is she playing at? WHY IS SHE STALKING ME? I’m ignoring the email, and picking up the phone.

  “Logan,” I say the second he answers. “I need you to work on blocking Sabrina out of everything. No phone calls, texts, emails, unexpected arrivals. Nothing. I don’t want her anywhere near me or Maya. She’ll ruin everything between us.”

  “You got it. Want me to place a detail at the building’s entrance?”

  I think it through. Is she crazy enough to turn up here? Or worse, turn up at Maya’s floor? That thought alone has me agreeing. Sabrina currently seems insane enough to do just that.

  Just what is her problem? As much as I want to know, I’m not desperate enough to go asking her. I’m not giving her the inch she clearly wants to grab on to. There’s no telling how much shaking will be required to loosen her hold.

  “While you’re at it, run a background on her recent doings. She’s snooping around me for a reason, I’d hate to not know why.”

  “On it.”

  “Oh, and before you go, I’d like to commend you on your most recent work. A spectacular job.”

  “Who knew the princess party package would be so handy? I particularly enjoyed the glitter. It added a little more pizzazz to the ensemble.”

  I burst out laughing now that the detectives aren’t here to monitor my every reaction.

  “Please tell me there’s photo evidence?”

  “There may be a little collage heading to your mother as we speak.”

  “Genius. Just keep it out of the media, I don’t want any more suspicion our way. Besides, I believe our friends at the station will take care of that for us.”

  Oh, how powerful a little suggestion can be. “Take care of Sabrina for me. I’m done with her manipulating advances.”

  I hang up, entrusting my friend and bodyguard to rid her from my life. I check my watch.

  Perfect. Just a half hour until lunchtime. I’m positively starved.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  ~ £ ~

  “You have quite the track record with women, Grayson. What makes my daughter any different?”

  Remember when I said I’m the meat on a stick waiting to be grilled? Well, that day has come, because Maya’s mother, Kylie, hasn’t stopped yet, not even for the waiter’s taking our order. Thank God I organised a mostly private booth.

  I’m never going to hear the end of this for the rest of my life, am I? Can’t a man’s past be forgotten?

  And how the hell am I supposed to answer this question without it sounding like some cheesy line from a rom-com? Don’t you love it when you let your sister choose the film?

  Alternatively, I can just tell her that Maya is such a good lay I’m not ready to depart the cargo ship yet. I’m just kidding, we all know Maya means more to me than sex.

  “She challenges me,” I state simply. “She doesn’t fall to her knees because I can give her the world. She sucks me in to hers.”

  Christ, doesn’t that sound like a double entendre? I swear my intentions were pure with that statement. I’ve ruined it for you now, haven’t I?

  “And the job offer? This isn’t some experiment or bet you have going on with your buddies?”

  “Mum!” Maya looks absolutely appalled, but I shake it off. She’s only looking out for what’s best for her daughter. Right?

  “I’m a businessman, Ms. Finn. I understand the value of a hot commodity, but I’m also selfish enough to want what’s best for my company. Maya explained her underappreciated efforts at Enhance Graphics and Design and I simply saw an opportunity. Can you blame me for wanting to utilise her talents to their maximum capacity?”

  Kylie raises her wine glass to her lips, taking a sip. Funny, her mouth thins just as Maya’s does when she’s concentrating.

  “It’s nice to hear your creativity is being put to good use, Maya.”

  She blushes at her mother’s compliment. “Has Grayson passed your interrogation yet? I’d like to eat dessert without my stomach churning.”

  I grasp Maya’s knee under the table, soothing her worries. I promised I wouldn’t fuck this up, and I have every intention not to.

  “Maya, wouldn’t you rather I did this now than find out in a few months’ time that Grayson was never worthy of you?”

  Fuck, Kylie. Stab me right in the heart, why don’t you? This woman is ruthless. Actually, come to think of it, this is where Maya gets her strong opinions from.

  “Because, Maya, do we
really know the person we’re with? You can spend years together and not know anything untoward until you’ve given up a decade of your life to the man. Do you want that? I’m telling you it’s no picnic. You can’t wash that crap away with a bucket of ice cream and a cellar of wine. The hooks will be in too deep.”

  Oh, dear. This just took a turn for the worse, didn’t it? And I don’t think I’m to blame for this one. For a sweet change. My guess is that Kylie here isn’t completely over her divorce, even if it has been eleven years. Didn’t Maya say she was twelve when it happened?

  “Mum, you can’t pass off your insecurities to me. I love Grayson, he’s not like dad. Our relationship isn’t anything like yours was.”

  I can see Maya’s trying to be platonic, kind even, when she really wants to have a bit of a rampant rage. She’s got that look in her eyes. The one that suggests she’s holding back.

  “Maya, don’t be absurd, you can’t love a man you’ve barely met.”

  Does it look like I’m invisible here? I mean, I’m all brawn and height with an air of wealth that follows me everywhere I go, yet somehow I’ve disappeared from this table. Doesn’t it make you feel uncomfortable? Because I sure as shit am just about done with this topic.

  “I think I know what I’m feeling, mum. I was okay with you asking your questions, but you’re crossing a line. Not even Colton questioned my feelings, and you know how protective he’s been since dad left.”

  Well, that makes me like her brother some more. But I don’t think there’s much I can say to make Kylie like me as a suitor for her daughter. She’s turning out to be the kind of woman that trusts in actions, not on words. That’s okay. I can do that. Now that I know what I’m up against.