In Too Deep_BWWM Romance

by Erica A. Davis

  James Wright had only four children, from his numerous flings and marriages. Melinda, Jamie’s younger half-sister was the result of a brief affair with a model. Her birth also signified the end of James and Olivia’s, Jamie’s mother, marriage. Although James never married Melinda’s mother Stephanie, he did fully acknowledge Melinda and she was a Wright. Melinda now lived the lavish lifestyle afforded to her by her father’s yearly allowance, partied hard and was in all the tabloids. She could care less about the company and made it known.

  James her half-brother who was both ambitious and ruthless on the other hand, shared her father’s belief that as the sole male heir, the company rightfully belonged to him. James’ mother did marry her father and made Jamie’s life a living hell for much of her adolescence. She came from a wealthy family but nothing as vast as James Wright’s fortune. There was a nasty divorce and an undisclosed settlement. James II never fully got over his parents’ divorce and made his father feel guilty about their split. He was never around and did not come to family functions as requested. Then suddenly at the age of nineteen he decided he wanted to learn all the ins and outs of the business. Jamie wasn’t surprised, the company made hundreds of millions annually. If there was one thing the namesake enjoyed was their father’s money. James Senior however was elated and reveled in teaching his son everything he knew.

  And then there was Danielle, the baby. Thirteen years old with the sweetest disposition, who Jamie couldn’t help but love. She also couldn’t help but love her newest stepmother, Ariel, Danny’s mother who seemed to finally get her father to settle down. She had finally seen her father happy, something she didn’t even see when he was married to her own mother and James worshiped the ground she walked on. Jamie hoped that she would have something similar.

  Jamie was the eldest which meant logically that once her father retired, he would pass most of his shares on to her. With her mother’s inheritance that would give her a majority holding on the company. She wanted to show her father that she didn’t have to be a man to run the company. Of course that was easier said than done. While her brother did the minimum but claimed credit, Jamie made things happen. On her own.

  And still after everything he still had no faith in her abilities. Not only did she close under budget but she did it in record time. She was hoping that her father would be proud but instead he was surprised that she didn’t somehow mess things up. Frankly she was tired of trying. She worked hard because she wanted to be taken seriously and it turned out with her new resources she was better at it than she thought. And so she poured herself into her work. Much to the dismay of her father, her half-brother and her best friend. They wanted her to be more like Callie.

  Callie who lived the expected rich girl lifestyle, spending her days shopping, traveling, and spending her trust fund. She also seemed to always end up in shenanigans, dragging Jamie along with her. It wasn’t that they were exactly scandalous and thankfully their wealth wasn’t entertainment related so they avoided the stigma of being in magazines or gossip blogs, though Callie was somewhat familiar as her most recent tryst was with an up and coming celebrity.

  Callie like herself was what Jamie had dubbed an original. She too was a trust fund baby from a first marriage. Callie too had several step-siblings and a few maybes. Her father and Jamie’s were business partners and friends. Callie, unlike Jamie, was unconcerned with the business and instead left it to her siblings. She was the epitome of the party girl and couldn’t fathom why Jamie, who as she put it had money to burn, would do anything as simplistic as work, much less try and run a company. Sometimes Jamie wondered if they would have been friends if not for that fact that early on they were often thrown together, but the truth was she loved Callie and was sure that somehow they would have found one another. She brought out her fun side.

  They had grown up in New York, attending prestigious private schools and spent summers in Europe vacationing together. Although they were as thick as thieves that’s where their similarities ended. Callie was wild, outspoken, and adventurous while Jamie was more laid back and reserved. Not to say that Jamie didn’t have a wild side, she was just less obvious about it. Callie loved being in the spotlight, shopping and traveling. Jamie, even though she was worth almost a billion dollars, preferred working more than spending aimlessly like her best friend. She wasn’t content with just being James Wright and Olivia Redding’s daughter.

  Their physical appearances were also like night and day. Callista was the classic beauty. Blonde, tall and leggy, the younger version of her mother Lara, a former model turned designer. She had flawless skin, the envy of their circle of friends. Her eyes were a unique hazel, it looked almost golden at times. Callie was also a fashionista and didn’t leave her house unless she was camera ready.

  Jamie on the other hand, dubbed the Ebony goddess by her best friend, had no problem wearing jeans and a t-shirt while out. She barely wore makeup which made Callie cringe, although it might have been why she had such nice skin. Callie often lamented how she wished she had Jamie’s smooth caramel complexion, although she came close with all her time spent on various beaches throughout the year. She had perfect heart shaped lips and deep chocolate eyes. Standing at five foot six, she was just an inch shorter than Callie. While she was slender she was blessed with her mother’s assets, full breasts, wide hips and an ample bottom. Jamie’s favorite thing about herself however was her hair. She wore it natural, down her back, in thick waves. Jamie had also inherited her father’s high cheekbones and almond shaped eyes. She was a stunner and garnered appreciative stares from both men and women wherever she went. Whenever she was with Callie they were always asked if they were models, a line that was both flattering and annoying to them both.

  While Jamie was driven in her career, Callie partied hard. She didn’t abuse drugs or alcohol but she did live a fast paced lifestyle. Unfortunately, she usually dragged Jamie along with her. Callie was invited to all the A-list parties and traveled extensively. Callie’s father owned one of the nicest yachts and whenever she had free time she loved to throw get-togethers that lasted well into the wee hours of the morning. Jamie, while assertive in every area of her life, somehow could never tell her best friend no.

  Then about two years ago all of that changed. The old Jamie would not have thought twice about staying through the week once Callie called and convinced her, but the truth was she missed Steven.

  Steven was her prince charming. Gorgeous, Wharton graduate and a body like a Roman god. Her face lit up every time she thought about him. They had met through mutual friends. Steven represented a real estate developer that they worked with often. The one thing about her that her father approved of. In fact, he kept hinting that maybe Steven should come work for him. Jamie wondered if it was because he really liked him or if it was so Jamie would do the sensible thing and stay home having babies and being the good wife. The thought both amused and irritated her.

  Before Steven, she hadn’t thought about settling down but he changed all of that. When she had first met him she played aloof, she had heard of his reputation as a player but he was relentless in his pursuit of her. Finally, she had agreed to a date and they had hit it off instantly. She had to admit he was a bit pompous but he was also very funny. And he smelled incredible. She spent a great deal of the night just breathing him in. Another thing about Steven was that he was always planning little outings. She would come home from a business trip and he would always have something planned, a weekend at Martha’s Vineyard or even a day at the horse ranch. They had been together for almost two years and recently moved in together. She was hesitant at first but found that she loved coming home to him.

  Steven was well connected and had come from a wealthy family as well, so she knew he wasn’t using her for her money, something her mother had warned her about from an early age. She had to admit it did make things easier. She could spend money without the fear of being judged.

  Once, early on in college, she had dated a great guy
who was an advocate for human rights. He was eccentric and spirited and she fell for him instantly. Things were progressing nicely until he saw the heels she was wearing on their first date. He spent the rest of the night comparing things they could do to save humanity for the cost of just the left shoe. Not that she wasn’t a philanthropist, she volunteered and donated to many worthy causes but it wasn’t Jamie’s fault that she could afford things that most people could not and she didn’t want to be constantly reminded or feel guilty about it.

  If anything, Steven was worse than her. He bought her jewelry all the time, sent flowers weekly, expensive clothes, shoes, handbags and perfume, trips to new destinations. She had to admit she loved being spoiled by him. And the truth was that even after two years she still couldn’t get enough of him.

  There was only one thing Jamie wished was different. Steven wasn’t wild in bed. In fact, early in their relationship Jamie encouraged him to get more creative but he loved just making love to her. Sweet and tender. Jamie accepted that it was just his style. It didn’t make her love him any less. Steven just had his own way. He was a tender lover. She loved the way he trailed soft kisses all across her body. The way he wrapped his arms around her afterwards. She was absolutely, amazingly in love with the most wonderful man she had ever met. Driving home to Steven, Jamie was completely happy for the first time in her life.

  She had a feeling that he was going to pop the question any day now.

  As the cab got nearer to her condo she thought about calling him again to let him know she was back but it was late. She would much rather wake him up in a more special way she thought grinning to herself.

  *****

  Jamie pulled up to her condo, the driver helped her with her bag and she greeted the doorman George who had just come on for the late shift.

  “Miss Redding. How was your trip?” he asked smiling.

  “Long and boring. It’s good to be home,” she said with a smile.

  She took the elevator up to the twenty eighth floor and checked her watch. One am. Most likely Steven would be asleep at this hour. She couldn’t wait to crawl in bed with him and feel him wrap his arms around her. After the conversation with her father, she needed it. He would be happy that she was back so early. She hated being away from him even for a day. Jamie stuck her key in the door and propped her suitcase against the wall. She kicked off her heels unceremoniously and made her way to the bedroom. The sight she saw made her want to throw up.

  “What the hell is going on here?” she screamed.

  “Jamie,” Steven said a look of astonishment on his face.

  The blonde that was in bed with him had a similar expression. She grabbed her clothes and began hastily throwing them on. Steven did the same. Jamie looked at them both in disgust and walked out the room.

  “Jamie wait,” Steven said following her and grabbing her arm.

  “Don’t touch me you bastard,” she said shaking her arm free.

  She stood aside while the woman who avoided her gaze walked past them to the front door.

  “Jamie, please. I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to say. She doesn’t mean anything to me,” Steven begged.

  “Great. That’s even better. You throw away what we have on something that means nothing,” Jamie laughed sarcastically.

  “It just happened. I didn’t know you would be home so early,” he said somberly.

  “Oh I’m sorry, did getting back early ruin your plans?” Jamie spat.

  “No. That’s not what I meant. Please. I don’t know why I did this,” Steven said tormented.

  “And how many times has this happened while I was gone?” Jamie asked.

  “Never. I swear this was the first time,” he pleaded.

  “Like I will ever believe that,” Jamie said.

  Jamie gave him one last tumultuous look and slammed the door in his face. She didn’t know what she was going to do but she was so enraged that the tears wouldn’t even come. Shock, she thought, I’m in shock.

  The doorman looked at her surprised to see her again so soon. He called after her but she strode right past him into the cool New York air. She needed to get out of there she just wasn’t sure where she should go. She didn’t want to go to her mothers who would undoubtedly have a million questions. She hailed a passing cab.

  “Where to miss?” he asked her.

  “The Waldorf,” she said hesitating for only a brief moment.

  Steven kept calling so she turned her phone off. She couldn’t deal with him right now. Thirty minutes later, she had checked into a suite at the prestigious hotel. She had forgotten to grab her bag on the way out and now she regretted it. She stripped to just her panties and flopped on the bed. How could he do this? Here she was thinking she had finally found the right man and the whole time he was sleeping around. Of course he said that it was the first time but in her heart she knew he was lying. Was she so blinded by love that she missed all the signs? She thought that she would be planning their wedding soon and now this. Maybe she was right to think love didn’t exist. She should have gone with her first instinct and turned down his advances. She needed to stop thinking. She got off the bed and went in search of the mini bar where she proceeded to drink five of the tiny bottles, not caring what they were. The alcohol didn’t work as quickly as she hoped. She paced the room resisting the urge to grab her phone from her purse.

  Jamie got in the shower and turned it on to as hot as she could stand. It was two minutes before she completely lost it. She sank to the shower floor and with the water cascading over her, she completely broke down. The tears that wouldn’t come now were pouring down her face. Her heaving sobs causing her body to ache. She wrapped her arms around her legs and cried until she didn’t have any tears left. She cried until all she could feel was the hollow despair deep in her chest. She cried until the water stung her skin in icy sheets.

  Finally, she stood up and turned the water off. She wrapped herself in the big fluffy towel and looked at herself in the mirror. She looked as terrible as she felt. Her eyes were rimmed in red, her makeup in streaks down her face. She resembled a drowned cat, she thought grimly. She grabbed the soap and washed her face removing all traces of the mascara. She put on the hotel robe and lay in bed. Finally, she didn’t know when, but she fell asleep.

  She awoke to the sun shining brightly on her face, she must have forgotten to close the drapes last night. Jamie moaned and turned looking at the clock on the nightstand. Nine am. She reached for her purse and dug for her phone. She wasn’t surprised when her alerts started going crazy. Sure enough there were over thirty voicemails from Steven. When her mailbox was full and he couldn’t leave any more messages he began texting. She didn’t even want to read them. She clicked on his name and hit the delete button. Her phone asked her if she was sure if she wanted to delete them. Who was she kidding. She hit no. She would read them later. Just not right now. She picked up the phone and hit “0” for the front desk.

  “Front desk. Good morning,” a voice answered.

  “Good morning this is Jamie Redding. I will be staying until further notice,” she said dryly.

  “Very good Ms. Redding,” the front desk clerk returned.

  “One more thing. This is an anonymous stay. I am not accepting any calls,” Jamie said before hanging up.

  Chapter 2

  Jamie didn’t have any bags with her so she spent the better part of the day picking up a few things. Shopping didn’t quite hold the joy it usually did though and Jamie found herself just grabbing things and not really seeing them. She stopped at the drugstore near the hotel and picked up a few toiletries as well.

  By the time she got back to the room she had a raging headache. She realized she hadn’t eaten anything since earlier the day before so she ordered room service. After a few bites she pushed her plate away. She just didn’t have the appetite. She was too much of a coward to turn her phone on and she wondered if she should tell someone where she was. She wasn’t expected back to work until nex
t week and she hadn’t told her father she had left Vegas, an excuse to spend the rest of the week with Steven.

  Jamie stayed in her suite barely eating, crying for two days. She thought about Steven non-stop. Her emotions ranged from hurt and anger to a million different things.

  Just thinking about him made her heart ache. She turned on her phone and the notifications went wild. He had sent her over a hundred text messages. She checked the voicemails first. Most of them were from him as expected. She decided not to delete them so that her voicemail would remain inactive. One was from Callie wondering why she hadn’t returned any of her texts. She clicked on Steven’s name. She started from the beginning, the tears falling the more that she read.

  And then she decided to call him. He picked up on the first ring.

  “Jamie,” he exclaimed. “Where are you? I’ve been so worried.”

  “I’m fine Steven.”

  “Jamie please come home. I’ve been going crazy,” he said his voice full of agony.

  She felt her resolve waver but instead she took a deep breath.

  “Listen, I can’t do this with you right now. I am so angry with you that I don’t even want to talk to you. I’m only calling you so that you stop calling me.” she said quietly.

  “Baby. Please. I need you to forgive me. I love you.” Steven replied.

  “Don’t do that. Don’t call me baby. Don’t say you love me. I can’t process that right now,” Jamie said her voice escalating.

  “It’s true Jamie. I do love you. You’re the only one that…” he started.

  “Steven,” Jamie reprimanded.

  “Okay. I’m so sorry,” he said. “Can we at least talk?”

  “Not yet. I need to think,” Jamie said her voice thick with emotion.

  “Jamie…”

  “Steven I do love you but I refuse to be one of those women. I’m going to L.A. to oversee the construction of the Wright Square. I’ll…I’ll be gone for a few months.”