by Amy Brent
Gemma was gone from her desk when Ashley arrived a half hour later, and I’d straightened up my desk and my clothes when she strolled in and shook my hand.
“You look great, Whitt.” She said with a big smile. Ashley Cramer was a smart-looking brunette with big doe eyes and legs that didn’t quit. She had a kind smile and about ten pounds on Gemma, but it was all in the right places.
“You look beautiful as always. What’s good?” She opened up her portfolio and pulled out an electronic tablet.
“I want to show you what I’ve been working on. I’m not impressed with some of the resort's architecture, to be quite honest and I feel that if we’re renovating, let’s really go all out. We could reface the façades to give it a more updated look.” She brought up an image, and I really loved the idea.
I walked around my desk and sat next to her, and she flipped through several images showing me the façade and the rest of the structure and how it would all connect to the new.
“You’re really doing amazing work, Ashley. I can’t wait to see what you come up with for the interior.”
“I’m not happy with some of the merchandise at the shops your last designer used. I know you wanted to use places you had accounts with, but they’re a little dated.” She winced as if she hated to tell me. “I could see if I could save us some money elsewhere. I have a few places in mind.”
“Hey, anything you can do to sweeten the pot, just makes it better for us in the long run.” I gave her a reassuring pat on the back and left my arm around behind her.
“Well, if you’re talking about sweetening the pot, you can do that by seeing me again. It’s been a long time.” She placed her hand on mine and smiled. I closed my other hand over hers and gave it a pat.
She wanted a relationship, and I knew it, but I wasn’t the committing type. I did, however, need a reason for Gemma to move on, and maybe this was the perfect opportunity. “I’d like that.”
“I was hoping you’d say that. Nothing too deep, of course, but more time together would do us both some good and we do have fun.” She slid her arm around me and leaned in for a kiss, and as I met her lips, all I could think about was Gemma. It only made me more positive that this was what I had to do.
“So when can I see you away from this place?” She looked at me with hopeful eyes.
“Is tomorrow too soon?” I smiled, and she leaned in for another kiss.
“That’s perfect.” I walked her out, and Gemma’s eyes widened. She busied herself as I said goodbye to Ashley and she kissed my cheek. I glanced over to see Gemma’s face red with anger, and her eyes were puffy as if she wanted to cry.
I waited for Ashley to be down the hall and then turned around to Gemma. “It’s not what it looks like.” I knew damned well it was and I let out a long breath and went back to my office. She came in minutes later to finish the plants, but she didn’t speak as I took phone calls and prepared for my weekend.
Chapter 18
Gemma
I felt horrible about the whole Dax situation, and I knew that Whitt was acting impulsively out of his anger over it. If he didn’t want to see me anymore, why would he assure me that Ashley was just a friend and coworker and why would he keep giving into me? He wouldn’t. Whitt didn’t do anything he didn’t want to do, and that was something I’d learned about him long ago. That’s what made the fact that he had been with me, all that much hotter.
I had talked to him earlier in the day and not only had he apologized for his rough behavior, for which I was forever grateful, he’d told me he had to take a day trip, but that he’d call me as soon as he got home. I made him swear, and he had insisted it could be late. Lila further confirmed his trip when I talked to her, so I got an idea.
“Hey, do you think I could go over and use the pool?” I wanted to be there when he got home to surprise him.
“You know you’re welcome anytime. The bath house code is the same as always. The staff is still off on weekends, so if you want to eat, you better bring something.”
“I’ll pack my own queen bee sandwich.” I let loose a giggle and gathered my things while I continued to talk. “Are you going to be around?”
“No, not for another few days. Daniel is at work, but when he gets home, we’re going to a special dinner.” Her voice softened, and I could hear the smile in it.
“That sounds romantic.” I sighed, wishing that Whitt and I had the same relationship.
“It’s going to be. We’re staying in a cabin for the night. I can’t wait.”
“I’m so happy for you. Have a great time. I’ll make sure and leave things as I found them, and thanks again.”
“Anytime, Gemma. Seriously, you don’t even have to ask.” I knew I’d never go without asking and hoped that Whitt didn’t get upset by my showing up unannounced though technically I hadn’t.
I hung up the phone and searched for an Uber. I didn’t want my car ruining my surprise, and then Whitt would have to drive me home too. I had a special treat for him while he did.
I packed my favorite book so that I wouldn’t be bored while I waited and then when my car arrived, I had the driver take me to the mansion.
“It doesn’t look like anyone’s home,” said the driver, whose name was Scott, as he pulled up to the gate.
“How can you tell?”
“There’s usually a big black Camaro outside. You’re not the first pretty girl I’ve dropped off here.” The comment had my hackles up, but I gave Scott a dirty look and handed him his money.
“Thanks.” He gave me an apologetic look as I shut the door and then he drove away. I turned and faced the house, and sure enough, Scott was right. There wasn’t a soul home. But I had permission to be in the pool, so I punched in the gate code and went inside. I walked to the side patio and opened that gate too and kicked off my shoes and sat down by the water.
The sun reflecting was creating wild shimmers across my legs as I dipped my toes in the water and opened my book. I’d change into my suit later, but for now, I wanted to relax.
I had hoped that Whitt would be home by the time I read a couple of my favorite chapters, but he wasn’t, so I went to the bath house and stripped off my clothes. I glanced in the mirror at myself and noticed that there were bruises on the front of my legs, not dark, but very light ones from being fucked hard against Whitt’s desk.
Thinking about it had me worked up, so I decided to lay down on the futon and daydream. I slipped my hand down into my panties and brushed a fingertip against my swollen bud. I was so worked up that I was already soaked and I knew it had to be from all of the excitement. I couldn’t wait to be with him again, and I wished he’d walk into the bath house and catch me in the act. Maybe he’d punish me.
I closed my eyes and moaned as I dipped my finger deep inside my aching channel. Having Whitt’s large cock in me had spoiled me, and suddenly the one finger wasn’t enough. I pulled out the single digit and gave it a lick, pulling my sweet nectar into my mouth for a taste. I was sweet to taste, and it reminded me of Whitt’s salty sweet flavor. My mouth watered as I dipped not just the one finger, but two inside me. I remembered my sweetest spot, so I curled my finger upward, pressing against my soft spongy g-spot. I worked it good until I came and I covered my mouth when I cried out as my orgasm ripped through me.
I couldn’t stop at one, so I kept stroking, working myself up into a tizzy, but I knew better than to relent. Whitt wouldn’t have. I kept my fingers working until my hand wanted to cramp and then I switched to the other, always keeping the free one tightly pinching my nipples.
Once I was good and soaked, I worked myself harder and faster, flicking my clit and pretending it was his hands on me. I came hard and decided I needed a nice soak. So, I slipped into my bikini bottoms and then put on my top. The little red string bikini was my favorite, and when I thought about Whitt pulling it aside and fucking me right there across his kitchen bar, I wanted to touch myself again.
Instead, I took a deep breath and headed o
ut to the water. It was cool and calming as I walked down in it and soaked my hair. Then I swam for a floatie that was across the pool and climbed on it. I hoped that I wouldn’t have to wait too long. Luckily, an hour later, just as the sun was dipping down over the horizon, I heard his car pull up, and instead of going to him, I decided to let him find me.
I glanced into the house from the patio, and I could see the light on in the front room and the kitchen. I decided to stand up and dry off and at least be ready to go inside, so I paddled my way to the edge of the pool and hopped out of the float. I grabbed my towel and bent over to dry off when I heard the sound of laughter, only it wasn’t Whitt. It was a female.
Knowing Lila was out of town, and all the staff was gone, it could only mean one thing. Whitt had another woman over. From what I could see through the window he was laughing with the woman and now and then he’d reach over and pinch her side causing her to laugh. But as I stood there, my mouth hanging slack, and my face red with embarrassment, they spotted me. My heart ached, and I got a sick feeling in my stomach. I hurried to get myself dried off, but the patio door was already opening.
“Gemma.”
“I’m sorry, I was just over for a swim. I asked Lila, and she said it was all right.” The woman came out behind him with a strange look on her face. She looked to Whitt like she knew exactly what was going on between us.
“Maybe I should go?”
“No; it’s okay. This is Gemma; she’s my secretary and my daughter’s best friend. She was just over for a swim. I was just hoping Lila was here.” He looked at me with hopeful eyes and fought back the tears as I shook my head. He was going to pretend that there was nothing between us. Like I was some dirty secret, so he didn’t look like a dirty old man in front of his girlfriend.
“Yeah, I was just leaving.” I turned and hurried into the bath house, and when I shut the door, I burst out crying. Tears washed across my cheeks, and my nose began to run. He’d used me like all of the others. I’d trusted him with so much, only to be treated like any other girl. There was nothing special about me.
I turned to look outside, and Ashley stood with her arms crossed listening to Whitt make excuses. She turned and stormed into the house, and I had a feeling she wasn’t buying whatever excuse he was trying to sell.
He turned and looked at the bath house and headed my way. I hurried to get changed, and he opened the door as soon as I undid the knot in my top’s strings. I held my top I place as he stormed in.
“Gemma, we need to talk.” His footsteps were as heavy as his tone as he stomped across the open room.
“Leave me alone. I’m changing, so I can go home.” I pulled on my shirt and undid the rest of top beneath it.
“I told you it couldn't go on. How was I supposed to know you’d be here?”
“Why would I think you’d be here with someone else? You told me it wasn’t what it looked like. You used me. I was just stupid virgin—
“Stop it, Gemma. You’re not stupid. I didn’t use you.”
“But you’re done with me, right? Just like you were done with the cook. You never cared about her. You just saw an eager slut and gave her a job. Just like me!” I pulled my pants on over my bikini bottoms and pushed past him, but he grabbed my arm.
“It’s not the same! The only reason I won’t be with you is Lila. If it weren’t for her then—it doesn’t matter. How’d you get here?”
“Uber Scott is pretty fucking familiar with your house, now I see why.” I wasn’t sure if it was because of Lila or not, but his remark had stayed with me. I wondered if he had picked up Ashley from the house before.
“I’ll call you a ride. You probably shouldn’t come back unless Lila is here.”
“Right, so much for being like family. I guess that only applies to when Lila is here too, right?” I glanced over to the house and saw Ashley trying to see what was going on from the house window. Her arms were crossed, and I was sure he’d have a lot to smooth over with her.
“Gemma, don’t be like that. I don’t want this to ruin our friendship. We’ve known each other too long.”
I was seconds away from quitting my job, but I decided that I needed the job too badly to just up and quit it. If he wanted me gone, he’d have to get rid of me. Apparently, he had no problem with doing that.
“You better go. Your girlfriend is getting suspicious.”
“She’s not my girlfriend, Gemma, and watch your tone.” He stepped forward and closed the distance between us, glaring down at me.
But I wasn’t going to let him intimidate me. I squared my shoulders and held my head up. “What are you going to do, Mr. Porter? Spank me? Fuck me? Well, fuck you!” I pushed past him and hurried out by the pool to grab my phone, and I dialed for my ride.
As I hurried out the side gate, I heard his voice in the distance. “Dammit, Gemma!”
I didn’t stop. I kept on going and had Uber Scott pick me up. After a long talk on the way home, which I grilled Scott on just who he’d been picking up, I had determined that he was giving the housekeeper rides to and from work. That had been a small relief, not that it mattered.
I waited until I calmed down and called Lila and explained what happened. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to go over unless you are going to be home. Your dad showed up with some woman, and it was kind of embarrassing.” I hoped he wanted to keep his new girlfriend a secret.
She groaned. “I’m so sorry. Do you know who it was?”
“It’s a woman that works for the company. Ashley somebody.”
“Oh, Ashley. Well, at least she’s not that bad.” I wanted to vomit. Even Lila was against me, and she didn’t even know it.
“Well, she wasn’t very nice to me. I think she felt like I was imposing on her and your father’s time.” I wasn’t lying, but I wasn’t helping her to find favor with the competition.
“Well, screw her, you are family. You can be there anytime you want. I’m sure Daddy didn’t mind.” She snickered. “She might have thought you were there to see him. Like one of his other girlfriends. I bet that pissed her off good and proper. Could you imagine?”
“It’s not so absurd. You’re seeing an older man.”
“Yeah, but it’s Daddy, so. That makes it kind of ew, don’t you think?” As his daughter, I could understand, but I also couldn’t help be a little insulted.
“No, your dad is a handsome man, and I don’t think I’m trash, so why is that ew?” I knew my tone was harsh and she sighed.
“I guess you’re right. I didn’t mean to insult you.” Her tone had softened, and suddenly there was an awkward pause between us. “Yeah, I worry about Daddy. He..”
“I’m sorry, Lila. I guess I’m just still a bit embarrassed that I was there when no one was home. I should have known it might invade your dad’s space.”
“He wasn’t supposed to be there until late, so it’s all good. No worries.” Knowing he wasn’t supposed to be home until later only solidified one thing and that was that Whitt had all intentions of fucking Ashley.
I couldn’t deal with the thought of it. If he wanted things to be over, I wouldn’t fight it, but I wasn’t going to sit around moping either. Maybe it was time to move on.
Chapter 19
Whitt
The past week had been uneventful with Gemma being standoffish. I knew it was for the best, but I missed her. Ashley and I had cooled down before we ever heated up and she still wasn’t buying my story about Gemma.
I’d told her that she was nothing more than like family, but even I hadn’t believed me. It was a good try, but I was failing miserably at moving on.
I showed up at my office late, which had become a habit, but so had to leave early. I found Dax standing behind Gemma’s desk, and the two were all smiles for each other as they hugged.
It was as if someone threw cold water on my face and when Gemma looked up, she got a similar look, which she quickly replaced with contempt.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” I said w
alking in and trying to beeline for my office.
“Not so fast, friend. I’ve got something for you.” Dax reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope and handed it to me. “You remember he charity gala my family is hosting?”
I took the card and opened it, noticing that Gemma didn’t have one. I thought for a split-second that I might ask her to be my date.
“I just asked Gemma to go with me, so you can bet I’ll have the prettiest date there.” My good friend put his arm around Gemma, and she got a bashful grin and tucked her chin.
She lifted a shoulder and glanced up. “I’ve never been to a gala before. It sounds like fun.”
“I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time; both of you.” I gave her a pointed stare. “And I’m sure I’ll have a hard time finding a date any prettier.”
“Ashley’s a beautiful woman,” said Gemma. She hadn’t heard about the two of us, and how Ashley had all but ran from me screaming with her suspicions. I’d be hard-pressed to get her to go to tomorrow with me.
Dax winced. “Oh, you didn’t hear. They aren’t together.” He mumbled the words as if I couldn’t hear.
“I’m sure I’ll find someone. I’ll just break out the old Rolodex.” I chuckled.
Gemma turned her head. “The what?”
