The Whole Package

by Riley, Alexa

  “I’ll never let anything happen to you. I swear,” I vow, placing another kiss on her lips.

  “I know,” she says.

  I never knew I could feel this way before, and I never knew that I could love someone with every part of my soul. But if tonight is any indication, we’ve got a long and happy life ahead of us.

  Chapter 10

  Bailey

  I wait in the school’s main office for Hazel to come down. She’s going to be so excited when I tell her that I took a half day and we’re going to surprise Shawn at work. He has a date night planned for us, but I wanted to do something to surprise him for once. He’s always doing nice things for Hazel and me.

  The past few weeks have been absolute bliss. I didn't know I could be this happy. Shawn fills something inside of me that I didn't even know I’d been missing. Not only that, but he adores Hazel and she loves him. He has slipped so easily into our lives and now he practically lives with us. Every day after work he’s there to have dinner with us, help us take care of the animals and then settle in for a night of watching movies before bed.

  My heart flutters thinking about bed. The things he does to my body. I didn't know pleasure like that even existed, but he reminds me every night. I feel closer to him than I have ever felt to anyone. It’s crazy how fast this happened, but I don’t care. I love him and he loves me. I’m all in for this and I want to show him how much we adore him, too.

  “Are we leaving early?” I turn to see Hazel standing behind me.

  “I thought we could go surprise Shawn at work,” I tell her and watch her face light up. She’ll only be missing a few hours of school and she’s been super curious about where Shawn goes when he’s not at our grocery store.

  “Yes!” she says excitedly.

  “Why don't we pick him up some lunch to take with us? You choose.” I grab her hand as we walk out of the school heading for the car.

  “I want fries.” She taps her finger on her lips, thinking. “Annie’s. Then we can get fried pickles, too.”

  “Alright, I’ll call ahead.” I pull out my cell phone, thinking that works perfect. It’s right by the pharmacy and I need to pick up Hazel’s medication. After I place the order I send Shawn a text. He hasn't given me an insurance card for Hazel yet, but he told me everything is taken care of. Maybe I can just give them my card and they can look her up.

  He responds instantly.

  Shawn: It’s already handled, babe. I actually picked up her prescriptions this morning on the way to the office.

  Me: Could you be more perfect?

  Shawn: I’ll be anything you want.

  My heart flutters and I believe him. I mentioned this morning that I needed to pick up her refills and just like Shawn always does, he went ahead and did it for me. He’s always trying to take things off my plate.

  Like the other day when I had to talk him out of hiring someone to come and tend to all the animals. They can be a lot of work at times, but with the three of us doing it together it felt like family time. He agreed when I told him that but said if we get anymore that we should look into it. That we could all still help out together, but it might be nice to have someone who can lend a hand with them. He might be right, but for now things are good.

  “When you and Shawn get married will he be my brother?” Hazel asks me as she shakes me from my thoughts.

  “Yes, but he’ll have to ask me first.”

  My mind goes back to the day he told the cop I was his fiancée. The simple word had stolen my breath, and I wanted it to be true so badly. We haven't talked about it since then, but I know it’s too soon. He just said it in protective mode over Hazel and me.

  “Hmm,” is all Hazel says. I glance over at her and can see she's thinking.

  “What would you think about it if it did happen? Would you want Shawn to live with us and be a part of our family?”

  “We’d be like the Three Musketeers.” She looks over at me, still smiling. “I think it would be perfect. I told you a boy would help with Sugar.” She reminds me of the comment she made weeks ago when she asked me about dating and if I thought boys were gross. “He saved our Sugar.”

  God, that day was what sealed the deal for Hazel and me. He won us over and showed he’d do anything for us.

  “He did,” I agree. He saved us, too.

  It doesn't take long to pick up the food and make it to Shawn's office at the corporate headquarters. I walk to the front desk and smile at the receptionist.

  “We’re here to see Shawn Reed,” I tell her, and she looks up at us over her glasses.

  “Do you have an appointment? He’s in a meeting right now.” She clicks on the computer and I’m guessing it’s to pull up his schedule.

  “But the food will get cold,” Hazel says from beside me.

  “No, but we can wait,” I tell the woman.

  “I’m going to text him,” Hazel cuts in. She digs in my purse and finds my phone.

  “That would ruin the surprise, though,” I remind her.

  “Can I get your name, miss?” the receptionist asks.

  “I’m Bailey and this is Hazel.”

  “Oh.” The woman sits up straighter. “I didn't know. I’m sorry, Ms. Webb, go on in. His office is at the very end. You can’t miss the double doors. You can wait for him there if you’d like.”

  “Thank you,” I say and take Hazel’s hand.

  “How does she know our last name?” Hazel asks in a loud whisper.

  “You’re on Mr. Reed's approved list. You can go right into his office,” the woman answers.

  “Are there lots of people on that list?” Hazel asks.

  “Just you two, and of course, his mother.”

  Hazel raises her chin haughtily. I have to fight a laugh, but I kind of want to do the same thing. But I control myself as we walk down an aisle flanked by cubicles. The people working here are typing away on computers or talking on the phone. Some of them turn to look at us as we pass. When we reach the double doors, Hazel doesn't pause as she walks right in like it’s her own office.

  I pause when I glance to my left to a glass wall that looks into a conference room. People are around a long table as Shawn stands at the end, talking. As if sensing me he turns to look and when he sees me he smiles. He turns back to the group and I can tell he’s dismissing them.

  I can’t help but notice Kim sitting at the table and glaring at me. Still a bitch even without Mason. Those two really should be together. It’s nice having her gone and I haven't had to deal with Mason because Shawn is always around. Mason is so fake when Shawn is there. He’s always overly nice to me in front of him and I’ve had to bite my tongue from calling him out on it.

  I pull my eyes from Kim as Shawn closes the distance between us. He kisses me right in front of everyone and I swear the whole room goes quiet. No typing can be heard and the phone chatter quiets. When he pulls back I know my cheeks are probably tinted pink. I’m sure they’re all looking at us because of what Kyle told me about everyone calling Shawn a monk.

  “Sorry. I couldn't help myself.” Shawn stares down at me.

  I might have been a tad shy about him kissing me and everyone watching, but that disappears when I look into his eyes and see how happy he is to see me. But that moment is broken when we hear shouting.

  “I’m the boss now!”

  We both turn to see Hazel sitting behind Shawn’s desk with a giant smile on her face. She’s got his phone up to her ear and we both bust out laughing.

  Then her face scrunches and her eyes focus on something behind us. I somehow know it’s Kim before I even turn around. I’m disappointed when I’m right. She’s standing there looking even madder than she did when she was in the conference room moments ago. Her hands are on her slim hips and I don’t understand how someone can be so pretty on the outside but be so ugly on the inside.

  “This is bullshit,” she snaps.

  “Kim?” Shawn asks, turning to look at her. “Is there a problem?”


  “Yeah, there is. First, she sets her sights on Mason. Then she moves on to you,” she grits out the last part.

  “Kim, I’ve never been with Mason,” I defend myself. “Not in any way.” I don’t want anyone to think that ever happened.

  “Don’t lie. He told me. It’s why he broke up with me,” she throws back.

  “Kim, I’m going to have to ask you to take a step back and lower your voice.” Shawn looks over his shoulder at Hazel, who’s getting up from the chair.

  “Just a moment, Hazel. We’ll be right there,” Shawn tells her as he shuts the doors to his office. He turns back to face Kim and the soft look he had for Hazel a moment ago is gone. Now he looks pissed, but Kim must not see it, because she keeps going.

  “I can’t believe you fell for her little goodie act. She’s only trying to sleep her way to the top,” Kim whisper-yells. I think it’s Kim who’s trying to sleep her way to the top, but I keep that thought to myself. She’s digging her own grave and I don’t have a need to be nasty.

  “Get out of this office, Kim. You’re fired,” he growls at her. “No one talks about my Bailey like that. No one.” She stands there shocked. She opens her mouth to speak again. “If I were you I’d turn around and walk out of here before you say another word. I promise you that you don’t want my wrath. I’m a good guy until you mess with someone I hold close, and you’re getting too fucking close.”

  The quiet office is now deadly silent. You could hear a pin drop. She nods before turning to leave. But not without stomping while she does it.

  He turns to look down at me. “You okay?”

  “I’m fine. She’s such a bitch.” My eyes meet his. “You don’t believe her, do you?”

  “Hell no, Bailey. I knew she was trouble. She’s been driving me nuts and I’ve been thinking of firing her after how she was acting this morning.”

  “Flirting with you?” I guess.

  “She's inappropriate.” He runs a hand down his face. I can tell he’s irritated with the fact that she flirted with him. Not that I thought he’d ever play into something like that with Kim or any woman. Shawn is a stand-up guy. “We need to talk about the crap she said about Mason. Has he been messing with you?” he asks.

  Luckily I’m saved from answering that by Hazel.

  “The food is getting cold,” she informs us, popping her head through the double doors.

  “She is the boss now. So we better go eat,” Shawn jokes.

  “Don’t give her any ideas,” I tell him as we walk into his office.

  “We wanted to surprise you. Surprise!” Hazel yells.

  “This is a good surprise.” Shawn winks at me, and Hazel starts opening the food containers.

  “And we brought food,” she adds.

  “Well, since we are doing surprises right now, maybe I should tell you about the surprise I had planned for our date tonight.”

  Hazel perks up. “I love surprises.” Shawn walks around his desk and opens a drawer. He pulls out an envelope and hands it to her. “I might have gotten us tickets to the Britney Spears concert tonight.”

  I gasp. Hazel stands there with her mouth hanging open. She’s completely speechless.

  “I might have even gotten us a VIP booth so we aren't so boxed in by people.” He leans down close to Hazel and whispers, “And how could I forget about these backstage passes.”

  Hazel finds her voice, letting out a scream as she throws herself at Shawn. I watch her hug him tightly and my eyes water. There must be onion rings in the bag of food somewhere.

  He really is perfect.

  Chapter 11

  Shawn

  “God, I can’t stop kissing you,” I whisper against Bailey’s mouth.

  I’ve pulled her into a small corner to have a moment alone with her. I need to run to my office to meet with my lawyer, and I hate when I’m away from her. She’s become my addiction. Not just her but the life we have together. It’s been wonderful. I hadn't noticed how my life had been so consumed with work and community projects. Not that that was a bad thing, but now I’m taking time for a personal life. Though no one ever tempted me to really want one until she came along.

  She pushes her body against mine, not wanting to stop either. “We’re going to get caught one of these days.” She drops her head to my chest, trying to catch her breath.

  “I don’t care. You’re not on the clock, so what does it matter?” I run my hands up and down her back possessively, reminding myself that I won’t be gone long. Then I can pick my girls up and take them to dinner before heading home. Hazel loves going to restaurants, so I try to indulge her every few days. Bailey likes it, too. I don’t think they could do it much before and I love doing things for them that light up their faces.

  “Can’t you get in trouble? I know you’re the CEO and all, but I’m sure the board or whatever they are called probably wouldn't like hearing that you’re making out in the hidden corners of the stockroom.” Even though she’s not looking at me, I can hear the smile in her voice.

  “Well, since I own the controlling shares in the company there isn't much anyone can do about it. Besides, I don’t think they would care either.” She looks up at me now, her hands sliding up my chest. I can’t help but glance at her bare finger. That finger has been driving me crazy. I want a ring on it.

  She looks like she wants to tell me something. I’m getting good at reading her. “What is it?”

  She lets out a small sigh. “It’s nothing we can’t talk about later. I need to clock in before I’m late.” She leans up on her tippy toes, brushing her mouth against mine.

  “Are you sure, babe?” I give her ass a small squeeze.

  “Yeah, I’m sure.”

  “Alright, tonight then. I love you.”

  “Love you, too.” I give her one last kiss before heading out. If this meeting wasn't so important I would have pushed harder for her to talk to me, but I also know Bailey doesn't like being late for work. If you asked me, she should be running that place and not Mason.

  Something about him rubs me the wrong way. I thought that the day I’d met him. Then he’d been short and rude with Bailey and my radar was on. But since then he’s been nothing but nice to her when I see him around. Still, I need to talk to Bailey about what Kim said. For all I know the words she spouted off were lies, but I think there’s some truth to it. Mason told Kim he and Bailey were a thing, which is total bullshit. I haven't gotten a chance to ask Bailey about it. Between the concert last night and making love after Hazel went to bed, Bailey was out like a light.

  I check my phone as I get into my car and see that I have an email from HR about Mason. I requested it last night before we headed out to the Britney Spears concert. I can’t help but smile thinking about last night.

  I’m not a fan of Britney Spears. It’s not really my kind of music, but watching Hazel and Bailey have so much fun made me have fun, too. Hazel was beside herself when she got to meet her backstage and got a signed shirt. I’m not sure we’re ever going to get that shirt off her. She wore it to bed last night and didn't change it this morning.

  When I make it to my office I see Tim my lawyer already waiting for me. “How’s it going, man?” I ask, shaking his hand.

  “All good. Laura is due any day now.”

  “Congratulations,” I tell him.

  I know they tried for a long time to get pregnant. I’m happy it finally happened for them. I can't imagine what it would be like to see Bailey pregnant with our child. I know she’ll make a wonderful mom. I can see it with the way she is with Hazel. The thought makes my heart jump with excitement. But first I need to get some other things lined up before any of that can happen.

  “Thanks. Now let’s see if we can get this new family of yours worked out, too.”

  “Let’s.” I guide him into my office, where we go over everything about Hazel and Bailey and what’s been happening. I know a fear lingers in Bailey about the state coming to take Hazel from her. I’m going to make that fear go aw
ay for her. That shit will not be hanging over her head anymore. Not if I can do something about it, and I won’t stop until I do.

  “I don’t think this is going to be a problem, Shawn. I mean, with all you’ve done for the community. I drop your name and people listen. You’re respected, and that’s going to go a long way.” He shrugs. “And you’ve got deep pockets. That helps, too. You know how politics are. They kiss ass to anyone with money.”

  “Sad but true.” We go over a few more things before he leaves to fine tune the details. I feel lighter knowing that this is really being handled. Now it’s only a waiting game.

  I click open my emails and I’m about to look at Mason’s file, but I pause when I see something my assistant forwarded me. I click open the email and before I even get halfway through it I’m out the door and in my car driving back towards my girl.

  I clench the steering wheel knowing that what Kim said was true. I have no doubt Mason has told people he and Bailey have been together. That’s clear from the harassment reports that were filed by two women late last night. I hit the steering wheel when the third red light in a row stops me. I’m almost there.

  I hate the idea of Bailey being in the store with him. God, what about Hazel? Could she even defend herself from someone like him? Clearly none of the employees are safe with him, but I’m starting to think he might have his sights set on Bailey. My mind drifts back to the few times when she’s gotten off work and it felt like something was bothering her, but I didn't want to push. I wanted her to come to me, but that time is over. Not when it comes to her and Hazel’s safety. I don’t want them taking things on alone. I know Bailey is used to doing that with how her life is, but I’m going to show her she can lean on me for all things. We tell each other everything.

  When I pull into the parking lot I don’t even park. I pull up out front and get out, leaving my car there. When I walk in I glance over at Kyle, who is at the register.

  “Where’s Mason?” I ask.