Creed's Expectations

by J. D. Hollyfield

  “I told him to manage you. I didn’t tell him to hit on you.”

  Good to know. “The black eye?”

  “He deserved it.” Oh, my God! He punched my boss, well his employee, over what I said.

  “Does he know about me? About us? Is that why he’s been so nasty to me?”

  I feel Creed lifting his head, and I lift mine so our eyes meet. “Has he done anything? Said anything to you?”

  “No. Not really. But earlier today, he mentioned that I looked familiar and that he, no doubt, would find out why.” He holds my gaze for another second or two before dropping his head back on the pillow.

  “No, he doesn’t know who you are. Or at least I don’t think so. He and Steven are acquaintances through the Wheatland project, but that’s about it. Todd has been running that office for me since I opened it. I trust him. I just don’t like how he’s handling you.”

  I can agree to that. Another thing I heard is resting heavy on my mind. “Why did Steven say he’s invested in Roe Inc.? Does he also own it?” If I find out I work for my ex, I’m quitting.

  “No, Roe is all me. But he did help fund the beginning stages. He invested in my first huge deal, which allowed me to flip that money into more money. He just finds it necessary to remind me of that.”

  We lay silent for some time, me taking in everything that he’s told me. Am I angry still? Yes. I don’t like to be lied to or made a fool. I have had enough of that in my short life. But I understand his reasoning. And a part of me will admit it was the best decision. Being here the past few weeks has been great for me. Being on my own. Owning my career. Just being happy. And maybe not the best way to have it all come to par, but I do have Creed to thank for that.

  It also reminds me about what I had to do today. I lift myself off Creed’s chest so our eyes connect. He brings his hands up, tucking away the loose hair hanging in my face. And I take in a big breath of air for courage, hoping this doesn’t blow up in my face.

  “Creed?”

  “Yeah, Kitten?”

  You can do it. Just ask.

  “What do you want?”

  He brings both hands around my face to cup my cheeks.

  “I want you.”

  SO THAT’S THAT. I’M KINDA, sorta, possibly, dating my ex’s brother. Stranger things have happened.

  I asked Creed the question that had been weighing heavy on my mind for weeks. It was his answer that allowed me to finally breathe easier. I asked what he wanted, and he said me.

  He actually broke down and vocalized his feelings. Yes, folks, I said it. Feelings! He admitted he’s wanted me since the day we ran into one another. I melted at his confession of how bad he needed me, craved me, wanted me, in his life. I shed a few more tears – happy ones, this time - because it was something I truly never expected out of Creed. He shared with me things that I thought were locked away. He wanted me. Me! And he meant it. It wasn’t just about the passion with us. It was deeper than that. He felt it, I felt it. And his confession proved it. He wanted me to be his and only his. And I signed on that dotted line.

  I never went back to work on Friday. After Creed and I made us official, we spent the rest of the day in bed. I felt sick to my stomach having to make that call, telling Todd that I was sick and not returning, but Creed told me not to worry.

  But that was easier said than done. Now it’s Monday, and I’d rather swallow a pack of live bees than walk into that office and face him. That’s when Creed stepped in, causing my anxiety to spike even higher.

  “I’m going in with you.”

  “What?!”

  “I’m going with you. It’s my office, I can show up whenever I please.”

  But does it have to be with me?

  “Are you sure that’s a good idea. I mean… I work there. What about employee-manager relationship policies? Isn’t that like… against the rules?” God, please agree and stay home.

  “Kitten, I own the company.”

  Dammit!

  “Ugh,” I grunt and walk out of his bedroom. This is not going to be fun. If Todd didn’t have a problem with me before, he sure as hell would now. Double ugh. “Are you sure this is a good idea? I mean, Todd already said he’s on to me. Seeing us together, don’t you think it will spark something? What if he remembers me from pictures or something he saw from Steven? What if he tells Steven?”

  Creed slams the cabinet, and I jump. I turn to see his eyes are on fire. “Steven has nothing to do with this. Got it?”

  Geesh. “Yeah, got it.” What’s his problem? It’s obvious he has ill feelings for his brother. I get it, but the harshness any time his name is brought up boggles my mind. He went from offering me sex to tell his brother about it, to demanding we keep it to ourselves. Telling me that Steven is no longer in the picture. I fully agreed, but then why the anger spats every time his name is mentioned.

  Creed walks up to me, handing me a mug of coffee. “Listen. Leave all that shit to me. Todd won’t figure it out. And Steven has nothing to do with the company. This is about us now, okay?”

  I nod and allow him to press his lips gently to mine. “Let’s just swing by your place, get you into one of your sexy skirts, and get you to work. I don’t want to have to spank you for being late.” My smile matches his as he gives me one more quick kiss and we head out.

  Don’t feel well.

  Gonna be sick.

  Oh God, I should turn around and run now.

  “Oh, good morning, Mr. Monroe.” Virginia pops up out of her seat like her ass is on fire and scurries around her desk to greet Creed. “I didn’t know you would be coming in today. I would have prepared your off-” She stops talking as if she realizes something, then turns to me. “Office. Kasey. Good morning. I hope you’re feeling better.”

  I smile, trying not to look like I’m about to have a panic attack. I wave, making an attempt to leave Creed and Virginia to chat, but Creed grabs my arm to stop me. D-a-m-m-i-t.

  “Virginia, it’s fine. I’m sure Ms. Bishop can make room for me.” Her eyes are glued to his hand wrapped around my arm. She goes back and forth from him to me. Him to me. I truly hope her eyes fall out soon.

  “Well, if I would have known, I would have temporarily placed Ms. Bishop out of your office.”

  He gave me his office!?

  “I wouldn’t have it. I told you to give my office to her. It’s fine.”

  Again, more eye boggling. Virginia finally nods and takes a step back. “Well then. I will let Mr. Hanson know you’re in.”

  “That won’t be necessary. I’ll find him once I’ve settled in.” And without another word, he escorts me back to our office.

  “You gave me your office?!” I gripe as he shuts the door. I throw my purse on the couch and place my laptop bag on the desk. Pulling out my computer, I begin to set it up, until I stop. “Oh wait. Did you want to sit here?”

  Ugh!

  He chuckles and walks towards me. “No. This is your office; you use it as you see fit. I’m just here for meetings. I had a few offsite, but rescheduled them so I can keep an eye on you.”

  An eye? “Like spying on me?”

  “That too, but I have a hard time being away from you, so I thought to resolve that. Now, in between meetings, I can come in here, shut this door, and slip my finger up your skirt anytime I please. It works out for both of us.”

  How… “How does this work out for me?”

  He brings his hands to my hips, pulling me close. “Because I know you miss me too. And I know that if I came in here wanting to suck on every single part of you, you would let me.”

  God, he is so bad. And so right. I’m going to deny it though. Which he also knows, because he has that devilish grin across his face, waiting for me to lie.

  “I know. Innocent,” he says, dipping down to kiss me.

  “I heard you’re—”

  The sound of Todd’s sleazy voice has me pulling away so fast, you would think I just got electrocuted. I turn and go to my desk, refusing to make
eye contact. Did he see us kiss? Shit! Fuck, shit, fuck! I take a few breaths to calm down, but I fail, trying to open my laptop and failing as it slips off the desk.

  “Todd,” I hear Creed address him in his ‘no bullshit’ tone. He steps away and in the reflection of the window, I watch them shake hands.

  “This is a surprise, coming into the office. Anything important I should know about?”

  Don’t mention me. Don’t mention…

  “I wanted to make sure Kasey got settled in. Maybe go over some accounts with her to see how she’s doing.”

  Dammit!

  “Oh, I see. Well, I’m sure she’s in good hands. Morning, Kasey, I hope you’re feeling better.”

  I pull myself out from under the desk, where I was practically hiding. Lifting up my laptop, I smile. “Oh yeah. Must have been a bug. Much better today.”

  “Well, good. We have the files in the boardroom that need to be finished. I can count on you to finish those today, right?”

  I nod like a crazy person, most likely resembling a broken bobble head. Todd nods to me, then tells Creed he will meet him in the executive room for their morning meeting.

  Creed turns to me, smiling, while I look at him like I’m going to murder him. “Ahh, don’t be such a sourpuss. Everything is fine. He won’t mess with you, trust me. If he enjoys his job, he will stay out of your hair.” He kisses me and steals a rough squeeze to my ass, then he’s off. Leaving me to fend for myself in the boardroom.

  Thanks.

  Thanks a lot.

  Okay, so maybe Creed being here isn’t the worst idea. It meant Todd was in meetings with him all day and out of my hair. This left me to get my work done in peace, no grumpy ass across the room, growling at me all day. I get through all my files but one. The Wheatland case. I just can’t turn it in. It doesn’t feel right.

  I also realize that today must be my lucky day because, now that I know Creed owns Roe Inc., I can just go and talk to him about the deal. Without having to fear the wrath of Todd, I’m up and out of my seat in search of Creed.

  I’m almost out the door when I run into a solid wall, dropping the file in my hands.

  “And where are we off to in such a hurry?” Dread washes over me at that voice. I bend down to pick up the loose documents when Todd follows suit. “Ahh, the Wheatland project. Can I assume it’s done, or are you going to give me another excuse as to why it’s taking so long?”

  I grab for the papers before Todd can. “Yeah, but I was hoping—”

  “I’ll take it then, if it’s done. You aren’t needed further on this case.”

  He grabs the last page and we both stand. “I know, but I just think that Creed should—”

  “Creed isn’t the lead on this case. I am. Now hand over the file, so we can submit this deal and do our jobs.”

  I want to tell him to fuck off. Tell him that is isn’t our job to ruin families’ lives by taking away the one good thing in their community. But I just stand there gripping the folder as he sticks his hand out, silently requesting I hand it over.

  “Today, Kasey.”

  Ugh… I finally give in and shove the folder in his hands. I don’t need the file to talk to Creed.

  “Ahh, good girl. Now Virginia is dropping off more contracts I need you to go over. We have clients that will be in the office first thing tomorrow, so I will need them checked and verified by end of the work day today.”

  Of course they do.

  I offer him a smile, one that says “fine, no problem, you dick-less prick” and sidestep him to go search for Creed.

  “Oh, and if you’re looking for your boyfriend, he’s in important meetings all day. Not sure it would be wise to bother him while he’s conducting business.”

  Fuck!!! I hate this guy.

  I shrug my shoulders, turning around. “I was going to get a drink of water, but work first!” I smile sarcastically and head back to my designated seat at the conference table. He doesn’t automatically leave but stands there watching me. As if he’s assessing my every move. I would be putting it lightly if I simply said that he gave me the creeps.

  “Is there anything else you need, Mr. Hanson?” I ask, my sweetness dripping with bitter hatred for him.

  “Just trying to put together the pieces, Ms. Bishop. I must say, I was surprised to see you walk in with Creed today. Really fed my curiosity as to how you landed with someone like him. A man who ties himself to no one. But here you are, suddenly working for his company, sitting in his office, and from the looks of it, fucking him too. Does your poor boyfriend at home know?”

  I’m appalled at the way he’s talking to me. Accusing me of God knows what. “You have no idea who I—”

  “Who you are? But I do. A small-town girl who got lucky, snatching up a rich guy like Creed. Still curious how you did it since he doesn’t do relationships. But time will tell. Secrets always find a way of catching up to you.”

  I’m up and out of my seat. If he wants a battle, I’ll give him a battle. Then, once I’m done giving him a piece of my mind, he can go right ahead and fire me. I don’t give a shit.

  My mouth opens to fire off every single insult I have in my insult-brain-bank, when Virginia walks in carrying a hefty load of files. “This is the first pile. I couldn’t carry them all, but I’ll be back. Mr. Hanson, they are ready for you in the meeting.”

  His fake smile is back in place. “Thanks, Virginia. Oh, and thank you, too, Kasey. It’s been very enlightening chatting with you. I’ll let you know when I get all the answers I’m searching for.” And with that, he turns and is gone.

  I stand there, my mouth catching flies, shocked at what just happened. How dare he talk to me like that!? I swear, once I tell Creed about this… Do I tell Creed? Does that make me the whiny girlfriend who runs to her boyfriend when it gets too tough for her at work? I sigh and throw myself back in my chair. I know Creed would have my back if I told him what happened. I also know that he would probably break Todd’s nose. Then again, I can’t have Creed fighting my battles for me. Why is Todd so interested in who I am? I’m a nobody. It’s not like he would find anything that he could use against me.

  Except Steven.

  Could that information hurt Creed? Hurt me? Maybe just taking the first step and spilling the beans to Steven before Todd can, eliminates the issue. Then Todd has nothing. He just has his own bitter self to worry about.

  I know it’s not going to be pretty. I know I will look like the big tramp in all this. Jumping from one brother to the other. But deep down, I know the truth and so does Creed. Should anyone else matter?

  I shelf that debate for later, so I can get the contracts looked over and cleared for tomorrow’s meeting. As much as I want to rebel against Todd’s demands, this still is my job. And I’m not going to have him scare me off.

  “GOD, YOU’RE SLICK AS FUCK.” Creed has a strong hold on my hips as he pushes into me. When my bare breasts touch the cool shower tile, I can’t help but moan. “Yeah, you like that?” He lifts a hand to cup my breast, taking two fingers to pinch my nipple.

  “Yes,” I breathe just as he pulls out and pushes back into me.

  “I’ve been thinking about this all day. Burying myself inside you.” Another thrust, another pinch. My eyes close, my head falling back to rest on his shoulder. His lips find my shoulder blade and sucks on my flesh. In and out, in and out, each stroke bringing me closer to my orgasm.

  “Yeah, that’s it, I can feel you gripping me. Suck me up. Fuck, I love your pussy.” He picks up his pace, bringing his hand back to my hips and thrusting me onto his dick. Faster and faster. I can’t take anymore.

  “Oh God, oh… oh… Ahhhhhh!” And I explode. Creed isn’t far behind when he slams into me one last time, and I feel him double in size before spilling inside me.

  “Jesus,” he pants, resting his head on my shoulder. I’m thankful for his strength because if he wasn’t still holding my hips, I would most certainly fall to the shower floor. He spreads kisses along my
collarbone, his mouth just below my earlobe. “Move in with me,” he whispers, sucking my lobe into his mouth.

  My body jolts at his words. “Move in? Creed. Don’t you think it’s way too soon?” It definitely is way too soon.

  He presses his teeth to my skin, playfully biting at my flesh. “Never too soon. If you were here all the time, we could do more stuff like this. You’re too far away at your apartment, and my work plan was a horrible idea. I saw less of you, and we didn’t get to play during lunch. Say yes to me.”

  I don’t know what to say. I want to say yes because being with Creed more would be wonderful. But I’m not sure if basing it on how much more sex we could have is the right thing to do either.

  I turn around, allowing us to make eye contact. “Can I at least think about it?” I see the disappointment in his eyes. I want to take back what I said and tell him yes, but I’m afraid of jumping into this with him. Especially after Todd’s comment about Creed being so unattached.

  “Fine. Whatever you want.” I watch him pull away, mentally and physically. He turns to face the spray and begins washing his hair. He’s upset with me.

  I wrap my arms around his waist pressing my lips to his back. “I want to make sure it’s not too soon for you, too. I don’t want you to jump into something and regret it. I couldn’t take it if you had a change of heart.” He doesn’t say anything more. And I’m fine with that. We spend the rest of the shower washing each other until each of us is clean.

  After we’re both dressed and Creed is sitting on the bed, sifting through emails, I decide now is a good time to bring up Wheatland.

  “Hey Creed, can I ask you a question?”

  “Anything.”

  “What’s the deal with Wheatland? Why is it so important to push through?”

  He turns to look at me, curious as to why I care. “It’s a project that Steven gave me. He has interest in it and wants to buy the property. My company is willing to be the middleman and get it for him.”

  Of course it has to revolve around damn Steven.

  “But why is it so important to him? Have you ever looked at the file for Wheatland? Read any of the background of what the current building is used for?”