by Kym Grosso
“Thank you for sharing it with me. I know you didn’t have to do it.”
“I’m gonna warn you that a few people might be pissed because I did. This place is just kind of for our group. But don’t take any shit, okay? I wanted you here and that’s what matters.”
“Got it.” She gave a small smile, accepting that she was an outsider. His comments explained the cold look Seth had given her when she’d arrived.
“So do you want to come home with me?”
“Yes.” Selby nodded. She found it intriguing how Garrett was dominant but also gentle, unafraid to expose his vulnerability to her.
“Let’s go find Lars and say goodbye. He’s a pain in my ass but I don’t like leaving things the way we did.”
“Me either.” Selby also wanted to smooth things over. They’d been friends for such a long time, and she hated that he’d been so angry with her.
“Garrett,” she smiled. “You were right.”
“Hmm?”
“I definitely forgot about how scared I was.” She laughed.
“See? Stick with me, kid. You’ll be jumping out of planes soon.”
Selby and Garrett stood holding hands, gazing into each other’s eyes. She swore it felt as if he could read her every secret thought, and it occurred to her that that was exactly what she yearned for, to have the kind of relationship where she could share everything, no matter how embarrassing or arousing. A woman’s voice called to Garrett from the entrance and the spell was broken. Selby went to drop his hand but he held onto her.
“Selby, this is Blaire. Blaire, this is Selby.”
“Hello,” Selby said, taking note of the woman’s appearance. Tall and thin, her raven hair had been streaked with red highlights. She wore a skin-tight metallic silver-colored tube dress. She towered on four-inch spiked heels but deftly managed them, as if she’d been a seasoned stilt walker.
“I need to talk to you.” Blaire ignored Selby and continued, “We’re running into issues with the Strata line. I’d like to talk to you in private.”
“Are you kidding me? It’s Saturday night. I appreciate your dedication but it’s been a long day. Can it wait until Monday?”
“I just need five minutes of your time. Please,” she pleaded.
Selby observed how the woman leaned in toward Garrett, batting her eyelashes at him. A pang of jealousy stabbed her, and she attempted to thwart the ugly reaction. Garrett’s eyes darted to Selby, who gave him a sympathetic smile.
“I don’t understand why we need to talk now.”
“I’ve been trying to get with you all week. Between her,” Blaire’s angry gaze landed on Selby then focused back on Garrett, “and the mess with the police, Norm wouldn’t let me in to see you. Five minutes. I promise.”
“Go ahead, Garrett. I’ll find Lars,” Selby offered.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, really, it’s fine. I want to talk to him alone anyway.” It wasn’t exactly true but she knew that he’d been busy at work, setting aside anything that wasn’t in a critical path.
“Okay, I’ll come find you inside when I’m done. You sure you’ll be okay?” he asked.
“I can hold my own.”
As they made their way back into the ballroom, all eyes fell on her. She ignored their stares, and accepted a small kiss from Garrett before he left with Blaire. Heeding his warning that she wasn’t welcome, she stepped toward the bar and focused on her task. Alone, Selby steeled her nerves, determined to find Lars.
Chapter Fourteen
“Bottled water, please.” Finding an empty barstool, Selby sat down. Her feet were killing her. She’d walked around the room twice, but hadn’t been able to find Lars
The bartender poured it into a wine glass, reminding her of the money that surrounded her. As she brought the rim to her lips, she was startled by the weight of hands on her shoulders, causing her to accidentally dribble droplets onto her dress. She peered behind her and saw one of the twins smiling down at her.
“Selby, right?” he asked, sitting next to her.
“Yes, Selby Reynolds. I’m filling in for Evan.” Selby wasn’t sure why she felt the need to explain her role at the company, but she guessed it was because everyone in the room most certainly belonged there…except her.
“I’m Cormac O’Malley.” He nodded, studying her.
“I understand you used to work for Evan. I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Yes, and thanks.” Cormac accepted a fresh draft from the tap and casually took a swig. “So, are you Garrett’s girlfriend or something?”
Mid-sip, Selby coughed. Again water sprayed down onto the front of her dress.
“Well.” She paused, unsure of how to answer. “I’ll go with ‘or something’.”
“So you’re available, then?” He smiled.
“Um, I wouldn’t say that.” She laughed.
“She’s not his girlfriend,” he declared to his brother who approached. “I win the bet.”
“I don’t believe it for a minute.”
“Hey, Selby, this is my younger brother, Beckett.”
“By a minute. Don’t believe a word he says.” He winked. “So, is it true?”
“Is what true?”
“You and Garrett,” he drawled. “Are you dating? Maybe they’re just having sex?”
“What’s wrong with you?” Cormac asked, giving his brother a punch to the arm. “Ignore him. He has no manners.”
“What? It’s not like half the people in this room haven’t done it.” He rubbed his arm. “That’s gonna leave a bruise. I have delicate skin.”
Selby laughed.
“She’s not like us. This is her first time here, you dumbass.” Cormac looked to Selby and nodded. “He pretty much checked his brain cells at the door.”
“Fuck off,” Beckett retorted.
“See, no manners. Like a rock.”
“Now what makes Miss Reynolds so special that he’d bring her here without ever going on one outing with us?”
“Don’t be mean to her. She’s pretty.” Cormac leaned in and sniffed her. “And she smells nice.”
“Sorry.” Beckett shrugged.
“But back to my question. Are you his girlfriend?”
“Friends with benefits?”
Cormac smacked his brother again.
“What? We all just saw.” Beckett rubbed his arm in response. “Damn, that hurts.”
“Ignore him. Please,” Cormac pleaded.
“No, it’s okay. Garrett and I…um…it’s complicated.” She gave a closed smile.
“Ah…that means she’s available,” Beckett noted.
“Definitely.” Cormac nodded.
“I didn’t say that…”
“You’re dating then?” Beckett asked.
Selby sighed. Pressed for an answer, she wasn’t certain what she meant to Garrett. They’d kissed. They’d fucked. And she wanted to continue doing more of the same. She prayed her infatuation would wane, but something told her that going home with Garrett would do little to quell her growing attraction to him.
“Have you seen Lars?” She changed the subject.
“Did you date Lars?” Cormac asked.
“I…uh.” Selby vacillated between telling the truth and making up a lie. Her conscience forced her to admit her past. “Yes. A little. In college. But that was a long time ago. And it wasn’t serious.”
“Ah ha!” Beckett said, pointing at Cormac. “The plot thickens.”
“Sorry, there’s really no plot. So, have you seen him?”
“Look at you,” Cormac said. “Right out there with it. I like this girl.”
“I like her too. Do you want to dance?” Beckett asked.
“I found her first.”
“Guys, as much as I’d love to stay, I really need to talk with Lars.”
“I’m crushed.” Beckett held his fist to his chest, feigning distress.
“He’s up in the main house.”
Selby gave him a confused smi
le. “Sorry, where?”
“Right where you came into this room…just turn left. He may have gone off to make a call or something. Not sure.”
“Thank you so much. It was a pleasure meeting you.” She smiled and offered her hand.
“Welcome to Altura,” Beckett said with a grin. Taking her hand, he kissed the back of it.
As he released it, Cormac surprised her by giving her a quick hug.
“We know you don’t do the things we do,” he whispered in her ear. “But if Garrett trusts you enough to bring you here, then so do we.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it. Maybe I’ll see you at the office.”
As Selby waved goodbye, a warm feeling settled in her chest, knowing that not everyone hated her presence at Altura. As a recruiter within IT, working to help outsource IT departments, she never belonged and was used to being an outsider. It had never bothered her…until now.
Selby shut the heavy door behind her, relieved to be away from the din. Unsure of where she was going, she made her way down a long hallway. Although it was dimly lit, she was still able to admire the framed black and white prints that lined its walls. The clang of pans drew her attention and she caught sight of a waiter’s white apron strings just as he turned into a room. Voices to her left grew louder and she swore she heard Garrett.
She trailed her fingers over the smooth wooden chair rail, and took note of the intricate carvings which etched the crown molding. The opulence was beyond her comprehension. Even though she’d known that Garrett hadn’t always been rich, a self-made man, she wondered if he’d had a hand in the design of the building. The ornate details led her to believe the mansion had been built long ago, yet modern designs were weaved into its Victorian architecture.
As she approached, a sliver of light shone through the doorjamb, and it occurred to her that she might be interrupting Garrett’s meeting. A woman’s voice drew her curiosity, and she took a deep breath, startled by her tone. Selby wished Lars had stayed at the party as she tiptoed towards the room. If she hadn’t felt like an interloper before, she’d now officially become an eavesdropper. She wondered if the meeting Garrett was having with Blaire had developed into a staff meeting, and decided she’d briefly interrupt.
But as her feet propelled her toward the entrance, something felt off, the whispered voices trailing into moans. She knocked, causing the door to swing open. Selby’s heart shattered as she caught sight of Blaire, standing bare in front of Garrett. The stretchy fabric of her tube dress had been pulled down to her waist, exposing her breasts.
“Garrett,” she cried, her hands reaching for his belt.
“Blaire, what are you…” Garrett’s words trailed off as the door’s edge slammed into the wall.
“I’m sorry.” Selby stumbled backwards. Making love meant nothing to him. I mean nothing to him. You’re going to be okay. Just walk away. The loop played in her head as she attempted to remain calm.
“Selby, wait.” He went to go to her but Blaire held him tight.
“No…I’ve gotta go.” Tears rose to her eyes.
“This isn’t what it looks like. Dammit, Blaire, get off.” Garrett grabbed her wrists and removed them from his pants. He turned to Selby, who silenced him with her hand.
“Don’t…just no.” She backed out of the room, almost tripping as she bumped into Lars. He caught her in his arms and righted her on her feet.
“Selby, where are you going?” He glanced at Blaire, who glared at Garrett. She adjusted her dress, slowly covering herself. “Garrett, what the fuck is going on here?”
“Let me go.” Selby broke free of his hold and ran.
Reaching for the ribbon under her hair, she tugged off the mask, and discarded it on the floor. She stifled a cry, unable to believe she’d allowed herself to care about Garrett. Ridiculously rich, he could have any woman he wanted. It wasn’t as if she’d thought having sex had been any kind of a commitment, but he couldn’t wait ten minutes to fuck someone else? And he’d planned on taking her home?
Selby heard Garrett call her name, and she glanced back to see Lars grabbing onto him. The sound of their arguing voices escalated throughout the house. She flung open the front door and scanned the parking lot. A dozen stretch limos were parked around the circle but she wasn’t sure which one had brought her. She approached the bellman, concealing her shaking hands.
“I need to go.” She swiped her fingers under her eyes, attempting to stem the tears that continued to flow.
“Are you okay, ma’am?”
“A car. Which one’s my car? I need to leave right now. I’m going to be sick.” As humiliation set in, her stomach rolled, the contents of her dinner edging up her esophagus.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go inside?”
“Car! Now!” she demanded.
He blew a whistle and a driver immediately pulled forward. Selby didn’t bother waiting for him to open the door. She ran to where it had stopped and jumped in the back seat. She called out her address and was relieved when the limo started moving. As they pulled away, she caught a glimpse of Garrett and Lars in the driveway. They’d quarreled, and she knew it was because of her.
Selby flicked up the privacy screen and bent over, putting her head between her legs. Helpless to control her emotion, she sobbed. God, I’m so stupid. She felt like an idiot for allowing him to lure her into his ‘I’ll teach you the rush’ bullshit. He’d been playing her all along, and Lars had known exactly what he’d been doing. It was why he’d been so angry that she’d gone to the party. He’d told her to stay away from Garrett, and she hadn’t listened.
She wished she could blame him for putting her in this situation, but pursuing Garrett had been of her own doing. He’d simply asked her to help his friend, one who’d suffered a loss. She was supposedly the expert, who could assist his company. Instead, she’d lost her mind, engaging in unprofessional behavior. Not only had she just fucked her pseudo-boss, she’d withheld information about a dead man.
By the time the car pulled out of the estate, she’d made her decision. As soon as she got home, she was quitting. She couldn’t go into the office, pretending she hadn’t screwed him at a party. She prayed Lars wouldn’t fire her, that she’d retain her consulting position. She’d get down on her knees and beg his forgiveness, take any account that was available…any engagement except for Emerson Industries.
She shoved back into her seat and curled her legs under herself. As her crying subsided, she reached for a tissue from the console. She glared at her surroundings. The extravagant limousine reminded her of Garrett. This was his life, not hers. It was likely he’d paid for the transportation for all of the guests, including the entire expense of the soirée. It was nothing for someone like him, just a drop in the bucket. His everyday working man Jeep had been a ruse to lull her into thinking he was just like everyone else. But nothing could be further from the truth.
Wealth. Power. At the snap of his fingers, he could have anything or anyone he wanted, anytime, anywhere. There were no limitations in his world. It now made perfect sense why he continued to test death. It was the last remaining frontier. He skated along the unattainable edge of infinity as if he owned the universe. He was beholden to no one. No matter how attracted she was to him, she knew she didn’t belong within the confines of his reality.
Lars had known all along who Garrett was, the kind of daredevil, playboy lifestyle that intoxicated him like a drug. And he knew Selby. Complete opposites, they’d never have a chance in hell of being compatible. Unlike Garrett, she had bills and responsibilities that had nothing to do with employment. She wasn’t afforded the luxury of waking up in the morning and deciding not to go to a client. Avoiding risk, her idea of excitement was watching a horror film and hoping she’d be able to go to sleep. Hell, she hadn’t been on a roller coaster since she was a kid.
She sighed and shook her head. Selby’s tears had dried, but her stomach still churned with anger that he’d gone to another woman within minutes of
taking what he’d wanted from her. Recalling their encounter, she cringed, embarrassed that she’d been used. She hated how much she’d enjoyed having sex with him. She hadn’t just liked it; she’d loved it. No man had ever in her entire life made her feel the way Garrett did. But it had all been an illusion.
It was no wonder the twins had asked her status. They’d probably known exactly what would happen to her. Garrett had probably fucked hundreds of women on the terrace, playing at his domination game. Her only regret in leaving was that she hadn’t called him out cold on what he’d done to her. She excelled at controlled conflict in the boardroom, but this situation wasn’t in the office, and it had been far from controlled. She felt like a plane spiraling into the ground, even though her final explosion had been less than dramatic, as she’d run.
The car slowed in front of her condo, and she slipped off her shoes. She could hardly wait to take a shower. She wished she could extricate thoughts of Garrett from her heart as easily as rinsing the scent of him from her skin. As the limo stopped, she opened the door, ignoring the driver who rushed to get there first. She waved him off, but gave him a small thank you before running to her building. She punched in the code, and entered.
On the way up in the elevator, fresh tears surfaced. Confused, she wondered when she’d become such a terrible judge of character. While dominant and commanding, Garrett had been caring toward her, insisting that he wanted to get to know her. He’d invited her to a place he claimed was his inner sanctum, one not seen by many people in his life. Even the twins had made a reference that she was special, implying that Garrett didn’t bring just anyone to Altura.
Her lips pursed in anger. She couldn’t believe that she was even trying to understand what had just happened in any other way than how she’d seen it with her own eyes. A ding alerted her that she’d finally arrived on her floor. The doors opened and she strode to her condo, impatient to get inside. Tapping at the security pad, she entered the code. The handle clicked open and she blew out a breath.
