His hand instantly slides under my nightie and finds my opening. I stretch my legs so he has access and he plunges two fingers in. My hand finds him again and I pump faster. The build-up in my stomach is turning and I don’t have long.
One hand strokes him, coating the pre-cum from his head down his shaft. The other lightly caresses his balls. He throws his head back and increases the speed of his fingers inside me. Within a few minutes, he tenses up and groans.
“You need to come now. I can’t hold on.” His thumb circles my clit and I let go. Moaning his name and trying to finish him as well.
“Stella,” he grunts and covers my hand with his own. Liquid shoots into our palms. He throws his head back and our chests beat against each other.
“Is this how you prove to me you’re not a morning person?” he asks, looking down.
“It’s you. You make me go crazy. And just from one kiss!”
“I’ll have to remember that. Now don’t move, I’ll get us cleaned up.” When he leans up, he grimaces.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, babe. I haven’t had a hand job from anyone but myself in about fourteen years.”
“Is that bad?”
“No, but with you, it only took the edge off. I’m still hard as hell.”
When he gets up, I see that even our little round of foreplay did nothing to tame the erection that has been teasing me the last few weeks. But I forget about that with a naked Max in front of me. His full body is an eye-popping sight. Everything is sculpted. He catches me watching him and smirks.
He’s dressed in his jeans again when he comes back with a washcloth. Which is a shame because I was going to recommend a naked breakfast.
“Babe, we aren’t going into your office today. We’re working from here. Laci and Dana both know where we are if they need us.”
“Okay, let me shower, and we’ll get started.”
He nods as his phone starts ringing in the kitchen. I laugh at myself, closing the bathroom door, maybe I should replace my morning coffee with an orgasm. It seems a whole lot better for my disposition.
“Can you arrange a car for me in the morning?” I ask Dana, packing up the last of my things and cleaning off the table.
“Sure, it’ll be there at seven. Anything else?”
“No, just that one last detail I emailed you about earlier.”
“Already taken care of.”
“Have you heard anything from the realtor?”
“Yes, Erica has tried to fire her three times. She’s refusing to look at anything less than a high-rise with full door service and concierge.”
“Tough shit.”
“Yeah, well, Erica and Edward are looking for you today. Both of them demanding I tell them where you are and give them your new number. I refused but when Edward tried to throw his power around and degrade me, it got ugly.”
“This should be good, what happened?”
“I had a dozen or more people around, helping me get ready for the meeting. Employees from IT, Accounting, and HR, along with two other assistants were in the room. He was livid about everything, you being gone, Erica blowing up his phone, the meeting tomorrow. Everyone was uncomfortable. So I plainly told him that you would be in early tomorrow and wouldn’t have to replace your phone if it didn’t have drug-laced vomit in it. It was classic. He left.”
“I’m upgrading your cruise. Start looking tonight.”
“What cruise?”
“The cruise I’m sending you on. We’ll talk about it tomorrow.”
“Okay, see you in the morning.” She hangs up.
There’s an undeniable nagging feeling in the back of my mind Edward has a trick up his sleeve. It never crossed my mind to give him my new number because we usually don’t talk on the phone. I’ve only seen him one time since we returned from New York and he was unhappy with my decision to move Erica out. However, faced with the choice of her moving back in with him and Rita, he agreed her own place was necessary.
He questioned me repeatedly about the direction Sullivan PR was going, and I gave him just enough bits of information to please him. Mostly because it was financial information. He had no interest in the philanthropic events we had planned for the local communities.
The opportunity in New York revolved around investing medical facilities. In one of our closed door meetings, their CEO wanted to discuss the JOS re-birth as soon as the plan was public. It was the opportunity both our companies wanted to be a part of.
Working with Stella brought back memories of the old me. I used to love project work and imagining the success that small changes could bring about. When I worked in international law full time, my company specifically gave me the troubled clients that needed significant changes to their organizations. It was extensive work, but the end result gave me a sense of satisfaction. Today re-confirmed how much I missed it.
Stella comes back into the room hanging up her own phone and smiling at me. “We ready for tomorrow?”
“Everything’s set.”
“Should we go out to dinner?”
“No, I want to eat here. Then I want to lie back on that sofa I’ve become fond of.”
“Sounds good, I’ll cook.”
Before she can open the refrigerator, I grab her wrist and tug her to me, trapping her against my body. “Take out is on the way. No one’s cooking or cleaning tonight.”
“So what are we going to do?”
“We’re going to eat, relax, and then go to bed. I seem to remember you saying you didn’t want to miss me naked, so tonight you get the full experience.”
She shudders against me smiling. “I can’t wait.”
Holding her, feeling her warmth in my arms, and knowing what we are about to accomplish together, gives me a sense of pride. I never want to let her go. Scratch that thought, no matter what happens in the next few weeks or months, I am never letting her go.
The serenity I felt last night disappeared as soon as I walked into my office this morning. Dana met me at the elevator with a stern look that silently told me something was wrong. She directed me straight to my office, bypassing the conference room. Heads jerked in our direction and conversations hushed as we passed. I straightened my stance and put an impassive look on my face. Whatever was happening obviously had everyone talking.
She shut the office door behind us and locked it.
“What the fuck is going on?!”
“I just heard Edward called the entire board here to sit in on the executive meeting. He has them panicked with rumors that you hired a small, inexperienced firm to handle our problem and wants them to decide today if we need to scrap the current project and hire an international group to handle JOS. He has IT running like crazy to get the boardroom set up and has requested a copy of today’s presentation. He also sent word through his assistant and wants you waiting for him when he arrives.”
“Motherfucker!” Rage surges through my body and I slam my hands down on the desk.
“I have a bad feeling about this, Max.”
“Me too, he’s got an alternate agenda. I’m not at all worried about the presentation and plan. What I’m worried about is if he doesn’t succeed in ruining it. He’s got something more up his sleeve.”
“I agree.”
“Well, that fucker has another thing coming. He wants to play dirty, I’m ready to fucking crush him. Here’s what we need to do. Get Stella on the phone and have her meet me on the third floor confidential conference room. Don’t tell her anything is wrong, tell her I want to walk her in. Make sure we’re seated next to each other during the presentation. I want Edward somewhere in the middle of the table, less intimidating.
“I’ll explain to Stella what’s going on. I’m not worried about her though. Once she knows Edward set this up, she’s going to be pissed. She’ll dazzle the shit out of everyone. You call or text me when everyone is seated and waiting. Don’t let on that I know what’s happening.”
“You got it. What about Edward wanting to see
you when he gets here?”
“Throw the old bastard off. Tell him I had an early morning meeting. Say I’m on a conference call with the New York group.”
Dana nods and turns to leave.
“Wait! Dana—”
“No worries, it’s already done. Took care of it myself this morning.” She winks and leaves, locking the door from the outside.
I walk to my en-suite bathroom and run some cold water over my face trying to calm down. These are the type of antics Edward pulled on my father in the end. My dad tried everything he could, but the resistance and manipulation became too much. Well, I’m not my dad and I have a hell of a lot more venom in me. Today’s the day Edward Hurst sees he’s not messing with the boy—he’s messing with the man. And I have a shitload of anger built up. Lucky for me, when I’m angry, I’m resourceful.
I walk back in and sit at my desk, waiting for Stella to arrive. One thing’s for certain, she may be pissed and thrown off guard, but she’ll rise to the occasion. I can’t wait to see her kick ass.
As if I wasn’t nervous enough, meeting Max down here is not what I expected. Dana wouldn’t tell me anything but I knew something was happening. Ironically enough, there were no other employees around when I arrived and a special guard led me in.
It seems like I’ve been waiting forever, but finally Max walks in, looking powerful and breathtaking at the same time. I saw him leave this morning, but in this setting, he looks like the CEO magnate his reputation has labeled him.
“Jesus Christ! You look incredible.” He rakes his eyes up and down causing me to smile at his reaction.
“You like?”
“Is that Laci’s idea?”
“Somewhat.” It took several outfits, but she and I finally decided on black, wide-leg trouser pants and a russet silk tunic. She convinced me the top highlighted the amber in my eyes. I left my hair down in soft waves and picked three inch, peep toe heels, with a gold swirl.
“I’m going to be watching your every move, imagining peeling you out of this outfit tonight.” He slides an arm around my waist and kisses me gently.
“Is this why we’re meeting down here, so you can see my outfit?”
“Unfortunately no.” His face falls.
I try to step back, but he holds me in place.
“There were some new developments overnight that I heard about this morning. I wanted to warn you and reassure you how amazing you are.”
“Tell me.”
As Max fills me in on the additional audience this morning and the undermining ploy from Edward, I get nervous. Anxiety is quickly replaced with anger. In this moment, I thank my dad and Marshall Barnes for teaching me how to stand up to pretentious assholes.
My insides grow tight with anticipation. I’m ready to prove to the bigoted and chauvinistic asshole that Sullivan PR will come through this with flying colors.
When Max finishes explaining to me the plan, he looks at me with concern.
“Sweetie, I’m good. Let’s do this.” I squeeze his hand and kiss his cheek quickly. When I pull back satisfaction fills his face. “Time to be spectacular.”
He smiles widely and leads me out of the room.
Dana is waiting for us at the elevator and gives me a huge smile. It’s hard not to hug her neck knowing that she’s a part of our inner circle. The first thing I notice after seeing her is the enormous bouquet of flowers on the reception table. It is exactly like what Max sent to my parents and even bigger than the arrangement he brought me.
I follow to the boardroom and see the same arrangement in all areas of the office. Max has straightened his shoulders and walks with an authoritative gait, but his lips twitch. He did this for me. Wanting me to know he was thinking about me.
The doors to the boardroom are closed, but Max walks right in and the room hushes. Everyone looks at us. Edward’s expression is smug until Max speaks.
“It’s wonderful to see all of you here. So glad we could all be together for this today. It was such a ridiculous idea for us to meet separately when timing is critical. Edward, you and I will have to discuss a bonus for Dana and your assistant for arranging this so quickly, don’t you think?”
Edward’s face pales, as Max shakes hands and everyone finds their seats. Dana sticks around in the back, waiting for the show.
I take my place next to Max and listen in awe as he addresses the room. His body language is firm and direct. He raises his voice at critical points to emphasize the importance of what we have to present today. His eyes cut to every single person, letting them know he is passionate and serious about this project. All around, people hang onto his every word as if it’s the gospel. Men and women alike shake their heads in agreement about the importance of bringing Hurst & McCoy out of the dim light and making it shine again.
Max’s in his element, confident, commanding, and knowledgeable. I cross my legs tightly, trying to stop the tingling. This is one hell of a time for my body to react. Edward catches my eye and scowls, but I smile sweetly back to him.
By the time Max introduces me, I’d bet the entire room would agree with anything I proposed because he told them to.
Dana dims the lights then cues up the presentation on the large screen at the front of the room. We decided to break it into two sections, stopping in the middle for questions. Once I’ve gone over the first half, which includes a recap of the allegations and findings about JOS and the declining public reputation of JOS and Hurst & McCoy, we added the financial statements. This draws a gasp from several people. The CFO worked closely with Max to specifically show each line of business and the significant decline in profits. I nod to Dana who turns up the lights and Max asks for any questions.
A few people ask about how these numbers have stayed confidential, but Max answers vaguely, letting everyone know the best interest of the company was taken into consideration. Some try to argue but quiet when he raises his eyebrow and his silence shuts them up. After a five-minute break, it’s time for part two.
I start with the proposed plans to redesign the factories for better working conditions and include local workers in the process. Then we outline the strategy to enforce strict age limits on workers and apprentice program through the schools to help keep children in the education system. Max stands up with me on the last point as I explain the philanthropic plans to pour some of the profits back into the communities with programs created to help reduce the poverty. I silently congratulate myself for having real life pictures of the communities and the living conditions. Max closes the presentation asking for two volunteers to help with the implementation of the project and then opens up the floor for questions.
For another hour, we volley off one another answering inquiries. By the time lunch is brought in, we’ve been at this for almost three hours.
Every single person in the room, with the exception of Edward, is impressed, energized, and ready to make this happen. Edward sits to the side with a blank face, clearly thinking his plan to trip us up was ruined.
Over lunch, people inundate Max and me with volunteer ideas and personal stories. Almost everyone has a mission group, or local non-profit willing to help with rebuilding the community. It seems the biggest interest to these people is the giving back.
Right as I think we’re almost done, Edward calls everyone’s attention and my stomach lurches. He has a sly grin on his face directed at Max.
“I couldn’t be more proud of Max and the firm he chose to help Hurst & McCoy regain its stellar reputation. The planning and work ahead is going to be hard, but the payoff will be extraordinary. I have a little surprise of my own. As we sat here today, I came up with an idea and just now was able to land a contract. I’m pleased to announce, we have a new face for JOS athletic wear. My beautiful daughter, Erica Hurst, has agreed to be the model for the new and improved JOS. Contracts are being signed as we speak.”
Applause goes around the room just as my salad threatens to reappear. Max grabs my leg under the table and squeezes lightl
y. Dana appears by our side and cleans our plates. Then she leans down and whispers in Max’s ear.
“Such interesting news, Edward. We will be sure to look over the contracts to make sure our plans work in line with Erica’s goals. I want to thank everyone for coming today. Miss Sullivan and I have a meeting shortly with a contractor that can’t be rescheduled.” Max urges me to stand and I grab my bag.
It takes us five minutes to actually leave the room after shaking hands and congratulations. The smile on my face is so fake, I want to slap it off myself. Dana helps usher us to Max’s office and locks the door when she leaves.
He walks to the window with his back to me and exhales loudly, slouching his shoulders. I want to go to him, but my legs won’t lift me from the sofa.
“One statement, that’s all it took to erase the euphoria I was feeling and replace it with dread. He’s not going to make it easy on me to get rid of her. He’s always seen me as the opportunity to pawn her and her problems off. Me kicking her out did the trick. He’s going to force her into the company in some way.”
I stay silent, sympathy seeping through my body.
“I’ll review the contracts tomorrow. Chris will look them over too. If I can get rid of her, I will.”
“Honey, look at me.” I finally stand and walk over to him, putting my hand on his shoulder. “Don’t let her ruin this for us, please don’t.”
He glances at me sideways then yanks me tight against him. “You don’t understand, babe, Edward did this on purpose as a kick in the balls. I’m supposed to be the face of JOS athletic wear. My body, my face, my commitment to the world that I stand by my brand. Edward just fucking screwed me up the ass. And something tells me she will have an iron clad agreement I can’t change.”
Dread washes over me and I sink into him. My mind spins with possibilities of the two of them together on photo shoots and her slinking her claws back into him. As always, he reads me and holds me closer. I’m thinking even the bottle of scotch in the corner won’t help our moods.
Smokescreen Page 9
