“And when someone tries to intimidate me, I don’t stand down, either. I would never, ever do anything to hurt Derek’s father. Or Derek, whether that bothers you or not.”
His lips twitched with a smile. “Words mean nothing to me. Actions do. And I find it highly suspicious that you suddenly appear with a bun in the oven, and so conveniently close to Mr. Rittsman’s passing. He may be blinded by joy, but I assure you, I am not.”
My voice was practically hysterical and I was trying not to freak out. “That’s ridiculous. You’re completely insane.”
He laughed. “Am I? You’re awfully defensive.”
“Yeah, maybe because a man I’ve never met is harassing me. What would I even have to gain?”
“You tell me,” Marshall smiled. “What’s that you are holding in your hands?”
I looked down at the camera, a ridiculous luxury for me, but pocket change to Derek. Never had I dreamed I could afford something like this, and yet he had snapped his fingers and made it happen.
I had a lot to gain from Derek. I just didn’t want to admit it.
That’s not what I’m doing here, I thought to myself, gritting my teeth. I never asked for anything from him. Whatever our relationship, money has no part in it.
I was confident in that fact. But I knew that if I tried to explain it to anyone, they would shake their heads and call me a liar.
“It is pretty common to give and receive gifts when you’re dating,” I said, holding the camera tighter to my chest. “I mean, I don’t know about you, but Derek is thoughtful. Last week, I said I had an interest in photography, so he surprised me with this gift. That seems like a pretty normal thing to do.”
“Maybe.” Marshall watched me unnervingly. “We’ll see. If there is one thing that my career has shown me, it is that all truth comes to light eventually. And, more likely than not, my instincts will prove correct.”
“I think you need to back off,” I said, trying to usher as much confidence into my tone as possible, “before you stick your nose somewhere it doesn’t belong. You might underestimate me Mr Harrison, but if you screw with me, I will fuck you ten times over. I will put you through hell.”
Complete and utter bullshit. I had about as much power to do anything to him as a cool autumn breeze. Even if I could, I don’t think I would ever make an effort to destroy someone’s life. That kind of cruelty was beyond me. But I’d be damned if I would take his shit lying down. Words might mean nothing to him, but they were all I had.
He looked me over, “Cute” he drawled. “Here’s what I think. I suspect that you’re working with Derek. You’re manipulating him. I’m not even convinced that there is a baby. It’s just you playing a game and you have no idea of the consequences. It doesn’t matter how good you think you are, Miss Parker, I promise that I am better.”
I opened my mouth to respond, thought better of it, and turned away. He let me go this time. I could feel his eyes on my back, burning a hole through me.
Practically running, I found my way back to Derek’s bedroom, and closed the door firmly behind me. Hands shaking, I found my phone, and quickly dialed my sister’s number.
Please, pick up, pick up, pick up! I needed to hear the voice of reason before I lost it. Marshall Harrison’s words had shaken me, filled me with doubt that I was doing the right thing. And if it was right, was it legal? It’d be just my luck to end up in prison.
“Amy?” Her voice sounded on the other line, sleepy.
“Did I wake you up?” I glanced at the clock. It was after eleven.
“I had a late night,” she yawned. “It’s fine, though. Zeus has been trying to get me up all morning.”
“He’s probably hungry.”
“He’s always hungry. Aren’t you, Zeus? Aren’t you?” She laughed, and I could picture Zeus wagging his tail in excitement. “So, what’s up? How’s the trip? How’s the sex? Tell me everything.”
“I… it’s good, Abby.”
She heard how strained my voice was. “Wait. Is something wrong?”
“I’m kind of panicking. I think I might have gotten myself into some trouble. Like, big trouble.”
“Are you okay? I’ll come and get you. It’ll be fine.”
“No, no. I’m okay. You don’t need to do that. I just… I wasn’t exactly honest with you about this trip.”
Abby was quiet for a few seconds. “I’m listening, Amy. Whatever’s wrong, we’ll figure it out. I promise.”
I took a deep breath. “So, the morning after I went out with Derek, he took me out to breakfast… and convinced me to come stay with him at his father’s place… and uh… pretend to be his girlfriend.”
“Okay. That’s… I mean, that’s totally rom-com.”
“Yeah, and also pretend that I’m pregnant. For his father… who is dying. Because he was upset that Derek didn’t have a family.”
“Whoa. That sounds complicated.”
“I know, I know. I did it because I like Derek, and he genuinely wants to make his father happy. He also offered me a bunch of money, and got me a really, really nice gift, even though I told him I don’t want any money at all. But his father’s lawyer just confronted me, said I was a gold digger, and… Jesus, Abby. He sounded really serious, and it scared me. You know how much I hate lying.”
“Shit, Amelia.” Abby laughed, which wasn’t exactly the reaction I was looking for. “You literally went from zero to ten thousand in the span of one week. Like, seriously. Remember how, when we were out celebrating your birthday, you wouldn’t even go say hi to that cute guy checking you out? Here we are, just a couple months later, and you’re having torrid sex adventures with your sugar daddy.”
“No. He is not my—I’m not even going to say it. That’s not what this is.”
“Okay. An older, richer man is paying you money to spend time with him. So, what would you call it?”
I groaned, falling onto the bed. “That makes it sound despicable.”
“I don’t think so. It’s a pretty common thing.”
“I mean, the first time we hooked up, I just assumed it was going to be a one night stand, you know? Then he asks me to help him out. I don’t want the money. I just… I like him. I really, really like him, Abby. He’s smart, and funny, and sweet, and makes me feel so good. I’ve never had something like this. We’re more than this agreement that we have.”
Abby was quiet for a few minutes. “I’ve never heard you talk like this.”
“I know. I don’t know what’s going on. I just met him. Maybe this was all a huge mistake.”
“Oh, don’t say that. You say you like him, right?”
“More than I should.”
“And how about him? Do you know how he feels about you?”
I thought about that. “I mean, he’s said he’s fond of me. Oh, I don’t know. This whole situation is fucked up. His dad is dying. I don’t feel right lying to him. It’s going to blow up in my face, I just know it. It doesn’t matter how much Derek and I like each other, that doesn’t hide the fact that we’re pretending to be dating and expecting a child. Doesn’t that seem crazy? Or am I overreacting?”
“As usual, you are overreacting.” Ah, there was Abby, sensible and calming. “Tell me, what’s the worst case scenario?”
“I go to jail for lying to an old man. And Derek hates me.”
“Okay. First of all, I don’t think that’s illegal. So, what’s the absolute best case scenario?”
“Umm… everything goes well. Derek and I…” I closed my eyes, trying to picture what could become of us. “I don’t know. We’re happy, I guess. And nothing is awkward between us. But I suppose, even in the best case scenario, his dad still dies. Maybe that’s why I’m so upset. In order for the plan to work, he has to die, which is a pretty terrible thing to depend on.”
“Alright, respectable. So, now that we’ve covered the worst and best, let’s meet in the middle. Here’s what’s most likely to happen. The week goes by, you have a hell of a good t
ime. The father is happy and whatnot about the kid, but sadly, passes away in a few months. At least he died content. Everything goes back to normal. You go to work at the investment firm, see Derek here and there. Maybe you hook up a few more times. Maybe you guys even get into a real relationship. To be honest, it might end sooner or later. You’ll be sad, but you’ll get over him. Then one day, you’ll wake up, and be able to laugh about it. And maybe someday you’ll tell your kids about it, and they’ll be like, ‘Wow, Mom, you were pretty cool.’”
“Yeah. You’re probably right.” But there was something sad about her most-likely-to-happen reality.
“Of course I am. I’m always right,” Abby said. “Feel better, dear?”
“A little. Thank you… I knew you’d help.”
“That’s what I’m here for. Now, for the good stuff. Tell me all.”
“Uh…”
“Wait just one minute, Amy. That was our deal. I watch your massive drooling dog as long as you tell me all the details of your wild sex life. You know I live vicariously off of this sort of thing. You’re always listening to my stories, it’s my turn to hear yours. Go.”
Fighting a blush, I rolled over onto my stomach. “I mean, it’s great. He’s great. You were right, I was definitely missing out before.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Um, you know. He’s very… he’s kind of dominating. Which I like. A lot.”
Abby giggled, “Go on.”
She wasn’t going to let me be vague, it seemed. “Like, last time, I tried to take control, but he ended up pinning me down. So I’m going to have to think of a different plan.”
“Yum. Has he gone down on you?”
“I… uh…” Thank God we were talking over the phone, or surely she’d be making fun of how bright red my face was.
“Oh, stop being so innocent and embarrassed, Amy! Divulge!”
“Yes,” I mumbled.
“And?”
“And it was amazing,” I admitted. “Like, ‘holy shit, I think I might be dying’ good. Literally everything he does is like that. It’s ridiculous.”
“Oh my, oh my. Did you go down on him? You know, I have a bunch of good blowjob tips. I’m kind of an expert.”
“I know, you’ve told me like five hundred times. And yes. I have.”
“And were you good at it?”
“Jeez. How would I know?”
“Oh honey, you’d know.”
I thought back to the moment Derek came in my mouth and knew I had done a good job, but I let Abby go on schooling me.
“I think I did a good job.”
“Well,” Abby said, continuing on in her ‘I’m the expert’ voice. “New homework for you. You want to try and take control? Put your mouth on his penis. He’ll be all yours.”
“Well, when you say it like that,” I said sarcastically. “Okay, okay. I’ll work on it.”
“Good,” I could hear her smile. “I have to go take this furry monster you call a dog outside for a walk, then head off to work. Miss you, Amy. Good luck. You’re going to be fine, alright? You’re doing great.”
“Thanks, Abby.”
She hung up, and I dropped the phone on the bed. Burying my head in a pillow, I repeated her words to myself. You’re going to be fine.
I allowed myself to believe it.
Chapter 10
Derek
“Amy? Are you alright?”
When I finally made it back to my bedroom, I found Amy curled up on the bed, face-down, looking upset. She turned her head when I spoke.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” She didn’t sound fine, though, so I sat down next to her.
“Hey, look at me. I just talked to my father. He was really happy, Amy.”
“Good,” she said, though her voice fell flat.
I frowned, hating seeing her so down.
“Come here.” I stood up and walked to the balcony door. She watched me for a moment before sighing and following after me.
I pushed open the glass doors. A warm breeze blew through the room and I glanced over my shoulder, lifting my eyebrows at her. A smile twitched on her lips.
There was only one chair out on the balcony, so I sat down and gestured for her to sit on my lap. She hesitated for a moment, before sitting cozily on top of me. I wrapped my arms around her waist, putting my feet up on the short glass table.
“Alright,” I said, now relaxed. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
She leaned her head on my shoulder, so I couldn’t see her face. “It’s not important,” she said. “Actually, it’s kind of stupid.”
“It’s not stupid if it’s bothering you,” I said.
“I’m just not sure that this is going to turn out right,” she said. “I mean, I know it’s too late to go back, and I would never do that to you. But every time I think about what we’re doing, all I can focus on is how dishonest it is. And how screwed we are if something goes wrong.”
“Nothing is going to go wrong,” I soothed. “Like I said before, I have never in my life seen my father happier. You have given him a great gift that will enable him to die happy. I’m not sure you understand how miserable he usually is, and how disagreeable.”
“I know, I know. But what about… afterward?”
“My father only has a few months to live, at most. After this week, you won’t have to come back. There aren’t any strings attached, Amy. The only people who know about this are you, me, and him. You’ll be able to go back to your life, and you’ll forever have my gratitude.” I tried to sound cheery, but really, I didn’t want to think about when this week was over. I enjoyed spending time with her, more than anyone else I knew. But I couldn’t tie her into something she didn’t want. I was already asking too much of her.
“And his lawyer,” she mumbled. “Who, by the way, is super-creepy.”
“Harrison?” I looked at her. “He didn’t say anything to you, did he?”
She hesitated before she answered, “No.”
I sensed she was lying, but didn’t push. If she didn’t want to tell me, she wasn’t obligated to. “Hmm. Yeah, he’s always been like that. I’ll figure out something to tell him. You don’t have to worry about him. I’ll take care of everything.”
She was quiet for a while. I just held her, and watched the clouds pass slowly overhead.
“I’m sorry,” she said quietly.
“For what?” I sat up, confused.
“Being so… anxious. I agreed to this. I shouldn’t keep complaining.”
“Beautiful, look at me.” She did, peering bashfully up at me through her eyelashes. “I asked you to do this crazy thing after just meeting you, and you were kind enough to help me out. You have absolutely nothing to apologize for, and nothing to worry about. If anything bad happens, it will fall on me. You’re doing great, Amy. And you’re not only making my father happy, you’re making me happy. God, being around you has brought me nothing but joy.”
She smiled, and rested her head back on my shoulder. “Thank you, Derek.”
“Any time. Feel better?”
“Much.”
“Good.” I took her chin in my hand and turned her face back to mine. “Because, I’m going to be honest, I’ve been thinking about fucking you since we woke up this morning.”
Her eyes widened, her lips twitching. “Are you sure Aneta’s not going to interrupt us again?”
“I locked the door,” I said, as I kissed her cheek. “And cancelled my meetings for the day.” I kissed her other cheek. “You’re all mine, Ms. Parker.”
“How did I get so lucky?”
Her voice was soft and low, like a kitten’s purr. She shifted her weight on my lap, so that she was now pressed against my growing erection.
“Mmm,” I smiled. “I could ask the same question.”
She leaned forward to kiss me. Her lips were smooth and silky, and tasted like vanilla. I allowed her to take the lead, letting her melt over me. Like the tide, her movements were fluid, and graceful. Her teeth grazed my bott
om lip, teasing, followed by gentle nibbles. Then her tongue brushed against mine, before retreating.
She was deliberate, slow. I enjoyed it when she took her time. Everything she did felt intentional, as if she wanted to experience every inch of me. I had never been with someone who seemed to genuinely care so much about me, or who enjoyed me as much as I enjoyed her.
Which, I had discovered, was a massive turn-on.
“How do you feel about heights?” I whispered, a mischievous grin working its way onto my face.
She lifted a thin eyebrow. “They don’t bother me.”
“That’s good.” Standing, I lifted her up. “Do you trust me?”
“Is that a question?”
“Is there an answer?”
“For someone I just met, I probably trust you way more than I should.”
“That’s good.”
“You’re asking a lot of things that seem a little irrelevant at the moment,” she said, her nose scrunching. “I thought we were gonna—”
She didn’t finish her thought, as I had twisted her around and pressed her against the balcony ledge. She let out a small gasp of surprise, her hands gripping me behind her.
We were on the third story of the mansion, over thirty feet from the ground. The view was spectacular—from the back of the house, we could see the glittering blue lake over the hill. The courtyard below us was speckled with different colored flowers, bushes, fountains, and statues. The sun was hidden behind some clouds, casting a bright, warm glow on the earth.
I snaked my hand between her thighs, rubbing her through her panties. I could feel how wet she already was, which only served to arouse me further. I lifted up her skirt. She was wearing a lacy purple thong that left her sweet, round ass exposed.
I grabbed her ass with both hands, squeezing and massaging her, relishing in the silky warmth. Drawing back a hand, I slapped her ass lightly with the palm of my hand. She jumped and gasped, her fingers digging into the balcony ledge as she leaned forward. She glanced back at me with a devilish gleam in her eye that said I should do that again.
Happily, I obliged.
Unable to contain myself any longer, I pulled down her thong, letting it drop to the floor. Rubbing my hand on her slick folds, I leaned forward over her, so that we were both bent over the ledge. Gathering her hair tightly in one of my hands, I turned her head so I could kiss her jawline, just as I slid two fingers inside of her.
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