Stay with Me (Callahan Series)

by Marchman, AC

  “Why does Gabe’s name sound so familiar? I know I’ve heard it before. Have you talked about him lately?”

  “Only in passing. The reason you know the name is because Gabe’s the owner of Vanderbilt Enterprises.” He doesn’t even bat an eyelash, but my mouth drops. Gabriel Vanderbilt is Atlanta’s wealthiest business owner, and a very smart one at that. He owns businesses all over the world, including construction companies, factories, and even accounting firms. I read that he’s worth over sixty-five million dollars, which isn’t bad for being twenty-nine.

  “Well, great. I’m going to the wedding of a mogul and I have nothing to wear. I think you need to take me on a shopping trip before we get to Savannah,” I playfully scold, suddenly excited for this unexpected wedding I’m attending.

  Donovan laughs and says, “Of course, babe. I think I owe you at least that.”

  “I take it this is a formal affair?” I wonder where in the world I can find a dress for such an event on short notice.

  “Yeah, it is. Look, I know I just threw this on you last minute, but I know this shop in Savannah where we can stop. My stepmother goes there all the time and she spends a damn fortune.” Again, Donovan’s tone grows cold when he mentions anything about Donna. I guess I’ll figure out why when we get to the Callahan Estate.

  “Sounds good to me,” I assure him. “So, you’re in the wedding party? Are you the best man?”

  “Actually, I am. Like I said, we were really close growing up. There were a few of us in the group that kept in touch through the years. Gabe asked me last year to be in the wedding, so I told him I would,” Donovan explains. It must be nice to still be friends with people from high school. I couldn’t care less about the asshats in my graduating class, being that most of them called me a whore when I was pregnant. They were some really immature kids that made my last year of high school pure hell. Not that I’m bitter or anything, but it is what it is. I think most of those girls that called me names are drug addicts or have two kids themselves now. Karma’s a bitch.

  “Did he tell you how many people are coming?” I ask, wondering just how people I’ll be rubbing elbows with.

  “I have no idea, I think Stacey told him like around nine hundred” he says nonchalantly.

  “I don’t even know that many people, let alone invite that many to my wedding.”

  He laughs and nods in agreement. “Gabe knows everyone. He always knew where the parties were in high school. He always knew people that would buy us beer. He’s always been like that way. I think that why his business does so well. He’s a people person.”

  Heather comes out of the kitchen, carrying a tray with our food and refills of Coke. As she sets them down before us, my eyes widen at the size of the plate. “I know I can’t eat all of this.”

  Donovan laughs. “Eyes bigger than your stomach?”

  “Uh, yeah, obviously.”

  “Is there anything else I can get for you lovely folks?”

  “No, thanks. We’re good,” Donovan tells her, not really looking away from his food. God, just like a man. I look at her and smile. “We’re fine, thank you,” I say to her. Heather smiles and nods before leaving us to eat.

  The food is incredible, no wonder there are so many customers. My mom always said, “If everyone is quiet, you know the food is good. No one wants to open their mouths unless they’re shoveling food in.”

  After we finish, which surprisingly I was able to clean my plate, Donovan asks for the check from our waitress. As we wait for the bill to come, I can’t stop the words as they slip out. “How did you meet Claire?” I immediately regret that question. I seriously need to think before I speak.

  Donovan sighs and his body stiffens. “Why do you insist on bringing her up all the time? I told you, it’s done with.”

  “Well, I don’t ask about her all the time, thank you,” I defend myself. “I just want to know, that’s all. You’re kinda vague with your past, and I just want to know more about you. And since she’s a big part of that past, I feel like I can ask a few questions and not get the third degree because of it.”

  “Fine,” he holds his hands up to surrender. “You win. I met Claire when I was trying to make beer money in high school. I went around to people’s houses after school and asked if they needed help with yard work or side jobs, things like that.” He exhales hard before continuing. “I came to her house, did a few jobs for her, and she came on to me. I was a horny teenager, what can I say?”

  A lot of teenage boys try to make some extra cash so they don’t have to work at McDonald’s. “That’s all I wanted to know. Now, was that so hard?” I pat my hand on his thigh and I see his lips curve into a small smile.

  “No, not really,” Donovan grabs my hand and rubs his thumb across my knuckles. Our waitress comes will our check, so Donovan pulls his wallet and throws a fifty dollar bill down. When we get up to leave, Donovan catches our waitress. “We don’t need any change, thank you.”

  I guess when you have as much money as Donovan has, you can do things like tip the waitress a hundred percent. I look at him and laugh as we walk out and hear Heather’s squeal of delight.

  “You sure made her day a lot better,” I link my fingers into his, beaming from his generosity. It never ceases to amaze me. I used to think he was totally over the top, but I’ve come to learn that he isn’t flashy about his wealth. He sincerely just wants to help people. In fact, he even wants to open a medical clinic for people that are low income or have no insurance. He’s not looking to make money; he just wants them to have healthcare and not have to worry about huge medical bills and expenses. How could you not love a man with that kind of heart?

  “Yeah, I guess so. Hey, do you want to drive? I’m kinda tired.”

  “Are you serious? You’ll let me drive your car?” I ask him, utterly stunned that he would let me in the driver’s seat.

  “Of course, here.” He takes his keys out of his pocket and hands them to me. Wow, he’s serious, isn’t he?

  I clap my hands together like a kid and run to the driver’s side. I open the door and slide in before he has time to change his mind. I see him shaking his head at me when he gets in. “Are you that excited?” he asks with a sarcastic undertone to his voice. I smile at him as I adjust my seat forward so I can reach the pedals.

  “Actually, yes, I am,” I say as I turn the key and rev the engine. This baby is much more powerful than my little Mustang. I probably have this ridiculous grin on my face, mainly because Donovan trusts me enough to sit in the driver’s seat, but also because it’s a turn on driving this beautiful machine.

  “Okay, let’s get back on the road. Now, back up slowly,” Donovan kindly warns.

  “I do know how to drive, dear,” I smirk as I put the car in reverse and slowly back out of the space.

  “Okay, smartass. Just turn left to get back on the interstate,” Donovan laughs as I pull out of the parking lot.

  After we’ve been riding for awhile, I look at the clock and see that’s 3:30, and I realize we will be heading into rush hour traffic. “How much farther before we get to Savannah?” I ask, already seeing the traffic start to build up in front of us.

  “Only another hour or so. It’s not that far,” he says, stretching his toned arms above his head. “I’m not used to riding shotgun like this. I kinda like it.” I feel his stare on me, and I can sense the intensity of his need all of a sudden. It’s like a switch that just cuts on and the electricity sends a current right through me. Our bodies seem to be so in tune to each other, and the minute one of us feels even the slightest spark of desire, it becomes a blazing inferno.

  We come to a complete standstill in the heavy Friday afternoon traffic. “Looks like we’re gonna be stuck for awhile,” I say and throw the car in park.

  “So it seems,” Donovan whispers. He’s right beside me in the blink of an eye. “Do you remember when you gave me head while I was driving?”

  “Uh huh.” A chill goes down my spine when I feel his
hot breath on my neck. “As I recall, I think you liked it.”

  “Oh, baby, I did. Best driving experience of my life,” he whispers as he nips at my earlobe. “I just think I need to somehow return the favor.” His hand caresses my inner thigh, causing my leg to jerk in response. "Steady, baby."

  I do as I'm told, shuddering from the very thought of what he is about to do. "Spread your thighs," he growls. I part my legs slightly, giving him access while trying to keep my foot on the pedal. His fingers creep higher, causing goose bumps to rise on my sensitive skin. Donovan slides my lace panties to the side and pushes two fingers inside, causing me to gasp. So, this is my payback from going down on him in the car while he was driving. Damn, I love revenge.

  He quickens his pace and I’m thankful that his windows are tinted so no one can see what he’s doing to me. My grip tightens on the steering wheel and I let another groan escape my lips, completely unable to control the pleasure that’s mounting inside me. I feel my muscles tighten around his fingers as he rubs my clit with his thumb.

  “I’m so glad you wore this dress,” Donovan grunts and when I look over, I see his erection bulging from his pants. “Oh, God, baby. You’re so fucking wet.”

  His words set me off and I climax around his hand, my body shaking from the sweet release of sexual tension that has built up. I take one of my hands and hold his in place, waiting for the orgasm to finish. I cry out his name and I hear him moan in my ear. Once the aftershocks are done racking my core, he releases his hand from me and gives me a dangerously sexy smile. “Payback’s fun.”

  “I can’t believe you just made me cum in a traffic jam. That is, without a doubt, a first,” I pant, trying to catch my breath. As I straighten out my dress, I notice traffic is starting to move. Talk about timing; only Donovan can give me an orgasm within a matter of minutes.

  Chapter 3

  Donovan and I have switched seats again. I couldn’t drive anymore after that. My legs were entirely too shaky. And we’ve made great time considering there was a six car pile up. I start seeing signs for Savannah and the anxiety starts to creep back in. I know he’s taking me to some shop to get a dress for the wedding, but the closer we get to his childhood home, the more my stomach churns. He takes the third exit towards his hometown and turns left. “I really hope we can find you a dress at this place. I’m really sorry that I did this to you.” Donovan takes my hand in his and rubs his thumb over mine. I have gotten over the fact that he fibbed about the wedding, so I just shrug my shoulders and give him a closed lipped smile..

  “It’s alright, really. I’m sure they will have something.”

  He smiles at me and returns his attention to the road. I gaze out the window and take in the sights of the charming South. I love the old stately mansions with peach trees growing in the front yard. I see little old Southern women, sitting on their porches in their rocking chairs, drinking sweet tea. An older man is walking his dog and waves to us, so I wave back. There is so much hospitality down this way. I mean, Virginians are friendly by nature, but Georgia seems to be swimming in charisma and politeness. I’m half expecting to see Rhett Butler turn the corner.

  Donovan slows down and pulls into a small parking lot of a brick building. “Well, here we are,” he says as he unfastens his seat-belt. As he walks around to my side of the car to open my door, I look at the name of the place. Chi Boutique. He extends his hand to me to help me out of the car and we walk through the door that makes a chime when you enter. Immediately, a sweet looking young woman with blonde hair bounds out from the back and greets us. “Howdy, ya’ll,” she says with a very deep southern accent, which sounds a lot like Paula Deen. I smile and reach out to shake her hand. “My name’s Katie, how can I help ya’ll today?”

  Donovan pipes up and says, “My girlfriend needs a dress for a formal wedding this weekend.”

  “Well, honey, I’m sure we can find something just right for you. Wait a second, you’re Donna’s boy, Donovan, aren’t you?”

  His gorgeous smile fades and he scowls. “I’m Donna’s stepson, yes.” God, what is it with this woman? I’m growing more terrified of her, picturing a horrible, crazy bitch that’s going to rip my throat out.

  Katie seems quite embarrassed by his reaction. “Oh, I’m terribly sorry, Dr. Callahan.” She shifts her eyes back to me and I give her a sympathetic smile.

  “Well, I have no idea of what I’m looking for. I guess I need you to guide me in the right direction,” I tell her, trying to distract her from her mortification and Donovan’s sudden change of mood. “I wear a four, so do you have anything in that size?”

  I see Katie’s brown eyes light up and her lips curl into a broad smile. “Yes, ma’am, absolutely! Let’s start over here.” She grabs me by the arm and leads me to the back of the store. I look behind me and see Donovan sitting in a pink Victorian style chair. Oh, that’s funny. A manly guy like him, sitting in a frilly girly chair. I giggle under my breath and return my attention back to Katie, who is feverishly looking through the racks.

  After she’s chosen six dresses, she hangs them up for me in a huge dressing room. “I’ll be right here if you need anything, dear.”

  “Thank you very much,” I call out to her as I begin to undress. The last time I was in a dressing room, Donovan made me spiral out of control and I came for the first time in a public place. I blush at the thought. He’s always living in the moment and I adore that about him. I smile at the thought of him bringing me to this place, and waiting like a good man. He’s not being whiny or bitchy, like most of the other guys I know.

  I choose the emerald green asymmetrical, chiffon dress first. The fabric flows and it feels so good against my skin as I slide it up my body. When I look into the mirror, I realize instantly this is the one. The color looks fantastic against my pale skin and with my green eyes. “Oh, Donovan is going to like this one,” I mutter to myself. I notice that Katie has also placed a pair of silver matte pumps in the dressing room.

  “Silver looks great with almost everything,” Katie says from behind the curtain. “I hope I got the right size, I’m usually a pretty good guesser.” I grin as I pull the shoes from the box and slide them on my feet.

  “Well, you got it right on the nose. They’re perfect.”

  “So, what are you waiting for? Step out here and let us see you,” she says and I hear Donovan’s footsteps coming close. I pull back the curtain and I hear both of them suck in air at the same time. “Oh my goodness, you look absolutely beautiful.” My cheeks redden slightly at her compliment and I glance over at my man. His eyes have clouded over, becoming dark and sexy. He looks me up and down, so I place my hand on my hip.

  “Do you like it?” I ask, batting my eyelashes at him. I already know the answer, just judging by his expression. But girls still need to hear it.

  “Babe, you look stunning.” He reaches me in one big step and puts his arms around my waist to pull me into a hug. He drops his head to my ear and whispers, “Of course, it looks much better off of you, next to my bed while I fuck you senseless.”

  My eyes shoot open in surprise at his boldness, insanely turned on by what he just said. I don’t know if it’s his words or his deep country accent that sets me off like a landmine, but right now, I want to push him back in that dressing room and straddle his lap.

  “We’ll take it,” Donovan says as he pulls out his wallet, ready to hand Katie his credit card. She smiles shyly at him, a delicate blush in her cheeks. She is effected by him, too.

  “Story of his life. Always has the females swooning over him,” I think to myself and turn to the fitting room to get back into my own clothes.

  I walk out with the dress in hand and start to the front of the store. I see Donovan over at the cash register with Katie. I smile as I see him take the credit card back from her. I didn’t even think to ask the price of the outfit and I feel bad, but he has me so spoiled. He never lets me pay for dinner, for clothes, for anything. I had a huge argument about him trying to pa
y for my P.A. school. I insisted I would use student loans and grants, but he wanted to pay for my entire schooling. I firmly told him no and that it was the end of the story.

  I walk towards them when I hear, “Excuse me for being bold, but why don’t you like your step mother, honey? She just adores you and she talks about you all the time.” Katie’s voice is quiet, but I can still hear what she’s saying.

  “Honestly, that’s no one’s concern.” Donovan’s voice is laced with anger. “All I’ll say is that it’s all just a facade.” I decide to step up quickly; I don’t want this to get anymore heated then it already is.

  I place my hand on Donovan’s shoulder and I feel him relax under my touch. “I just need a garment bag for this,” I say as I place the dress and the shoes on the counter. I see Katie go from serious to friendly in half a heartbeat.