Dark Room (Society X #1)
Page 11
“I appreciate the effort. What can I do for you, Mia?” Please say, come over and fuck my brains out, Parker. Unfortunately, I know that’s not going to happen. I think she holds me on the same level I do her – untouchable. We’re both afraid of how her brother would react, and I can’t forget I did the dumbest thing ever and hired her.
“Stacey is getting married.”
“Sounds like fun,” I interject.
“Will you go as my date?” she says the words so fast, I almost don’t understand them.
It’s going to pain me to say this, but the line has to be drawn. I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. “We can’t date, Mia.”
“Oh God no, not like that. What I mean is, I need someone to go with me because Zac will be there and I don’t want him talking to me, or trying to get me back.”
“I’ll go,” I blurt out before I realize what I’m agreeing to. Mia claps in the background and rambles about dancing and drinking before saying goodbye and hanging up.
Holy shit, I just agreed to be her date to a wedding where the three D’s are going to happen: dancing, drinking, and a dress. The fantasy is already playing out in my head; a little too much to drink, some provocative dancing, followed by a trip to the bathroom where I’ll hoist her up on the counter and pound the hell out of her pussy.
I groaned. I am so fucked and in need of some serious therapy.
“You fucked him without a condom? Thank God you’re on the pill!” Rachel shrieks.
“I know,” I grumble. “I can’t believe I did it either. It just felt right.”
“I wonder what the guy thinks about it.”
“Not sure. He didn’t seem to have a problem with it at the time. And I’m actually the one who requested for him to wear condoms.”
“It’s a shame you couldn’t ask him to the wedding. I’d really love to meet him.” So would I. “And I can’t believe you ended up asking Mr. Sex on a Stick to be your date.” She laughs. “You know all the single women there are going to be throwing themselves at him, right?”
“What else is new? Titties and vaginas most likely hurl themselves at his face every time he walks out of his apartment. I felt like such an idiot when he was about to turn me down.”
She accidentally drops her phone and the sound bangs in my ear. “Sorry about that. Trying to do my makeup. We have to be there in an hour and I’m totally running late. Anyway, why would he turn you down?”
I pull my dress out of the closet and set it on my bed. “He’s strict on the 'no dating co-workers’ policy.”
“And what do you think about it?”
It sucks, but he has a point. Sometimes I wish I hadn't even taken the job. There’s too much tension between us to not explore what could be there. That’s what I feel, but it’s not what’s allowed. Instead of telling her the truth, I lie. “I completely agree with him. It’s not professional to date your boss.”
She snorts. “Yeah, tell that lie to someone who believes you. Seriously, you’re talking to me here.”
“It doesn’t matter, Rach. Nothing can happen between us.”
“Uh-huh. Let’s see what happens tonight, when love is in the air. I bet he kisses you.”
Just the thought makes my insides clench. I wonder if he’s a good kisser. He’s had enough practice, that’s for sure. “I don’t want to think about that,” I say quickly. “I do, however, need to finish getting dressed. I’ll see you in an hour.”
“See ya,” she says and hangs up.
Taking a deep breath, I run my fingers down the silky, pink gown. It has one strap over the right shoulder and it’s skintight until it flares out at the waist, stopping right above my knees. It’s one of my own designs and I can still remember the day I showed it to Stacey. She burst out crying, saying how amazing her wedding day was going to be. One day, I’d love to design a wedding gown for someone. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance.
My phone lights up, then beeps with an incoming text. I pick it up, thinking it’s Rachel.
Parker: Be there in thirty minutes.
My heart skips and I groan. Why the hell am I nervous? It’s not my wedding day. At the rate I’m going, I’ll never get married.
Me: See ya then!
Putting on my jewelry and my silver heels, I pour a glass of wine and guzzle it quickly. Drinking might not be the best thing to do around Parker, but I need it. He arrives precisely on time and rings the doorbell. I pat down my dress and look at my reflection in the hallway mirror before answering it.
When I open the door, his eyes go wide before he recovers. It’s nice to know that even though we can’t date, he still finds me attractive.
“Mia, you look stunning.”
I twirl to give him a complete look at the dress. “It’s one of my designs.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“Thanks. You look really handsome yourself.” He’s wearing a black Armani suit that is tailored perfectly to his body, and his hair is gelled into messy spikes. Yep, he’s going to have all the ladies chasing him tonight. Maybe it’s a good thing we can’t date. I’d hate to have to worry about everyone wanting him. Keep telling yourself that, Mia.
“Are you ready to go?” he asks.
I nod. “Just got to lock up.” He waits on me to lock the door and shove my keys in my clutch. Instead of his car, there’s a black Rolls Royce with a man in a suit waiting for us. “You hired a driver for tonight?”
He holds out his arm and I take it. “I figured there’ll be some drinking going on, and I wanted to make sure we were safe.”
The driver opens the door and I slide in. There’s a bottle of Riesling in the chiller. “I can’t be getting drunk before the wedding. I might trip and fall down the aisle.”
Parker gets in beside me and laughs. “That’d be a sight. Who are you paired with? Anyone I know?”
“Hopefully not Zac.”
His eyes darken. “He’s one of the groomsmen?”
I nod. “Unfortunately so. We were supposed to go to the wedding together, and of course, being the narcissistic asshole that he is, he figured we were still going to. I told him at the rehearsal that I had a date.”
“What a fucking prick.”
“Tell me about it. So, thank you for coming with me. You really saved my ass. Hopefully, the only time I have to be around him is for the pictures. I want this day to be perfect for Stacey.”
When we arrive, we take in the beautiful French-style chateau with amazing stone architecture. The gardens are what make it fabulous. Luckily, the weather turned out perfect, with sunny skies and wisps of clouds here and there. Once we’ve made our way inside, I see Rachel and a couple of the other bridesmaids sitting at the bar. When she sees us enter, she waves us over.
“Hey, guys,” she calls.
The other girls smile, hoping Parker will notice them. I thought he’d look at them, but he only has eyes for me and Rachel. It makes me feel good inside and gives me hope for men everywhere. Zac used to look at everything with tits. Fucking bastard.
Meredith, the bride’s sister, gets up and walks over. She looks beautiful in my design, with her long, blonde hair pulled high in a bundle of curls. I haven’t spoken to her since the bachelorette party. She pokes out her breasts for Parker’s benefit.
“There’s something you should know,” she says, biting her lip.
I glance up at Parker, hoping like hell it’s not about Society X. “After you left the rehearsal, a couple of things changed.”
“Like what?” Dread settles into the pit of my stomach. I have an idea of what she’s getting at, but I’m hoping I’m wrong.
“You and Zac got paired to walk together.”
I snort in disgust. “You have got to be kidding me.”
“I know right? I kept telling Stacey it was a bad idea, since you two broke up. Unfortunately, it was Alex’s doing. He’s the one who switched Zac in the lineup.”
“The fucker must have paid him off,” Parker mumbles under his breath.
I keep finding reasons to look at Parker during the ceremony. Maybe it’s because he keeps his gaze on me the entire time.
“You may now kiss the bride,” the preacher announces. Stacey and Alex kiss and several people whistle. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure, I give you, Mr. and Mrs. Alex Baker.”
The music starts and they begin their way down the aisle, followed by her sister and the best man. Rachel goes next with one of the other groomsmen, while I wait for my turn with Zac. With a satisfied grin on his face, he holds out his arm, waiting for me to take it. The photographer is taking pictures so I have no choice but to smile and put on a front.
“You look sexy as hell in that dress,” he murmurs, leaning in close.
“Your compliment is not needed, or wanted.”
“Why, because you’re getting it from Ward?”
“It’s none of your business what I get from him. I guess I should let you know my account with Les Belle is going great. There’s going to be a grand re-opening coming up, featuring some of my designs.”
We walk inside the building with the rest of the bridal party and he pulls me to the side. “Charles told me about it. Congratulations. I’ll have to stop by.”
I look past his shoulder, where the guests are starting to disperse. “Do you really mean that? Because I could’ve sworn you said I was just a girl who teaches classes at a gym.”
“Come on, Mia, I was pissed. You know how I get when I’m angry. I say stupid shit.”
I smile and bat my eyelashes. “You do that all the time, Zac. It’s not just when you’re angry.” Parker walks inside and sees me, his gaze dark. “I have to go now.”
He tries to grab my arm, but I side-step him. “Mia, wait.”
Parker glares at Zac over my shoulder and takes my hand. “Everything okay?”
“Yep, just glad it’s all over. You hungry?”
He grins. “More like thirsty. Want a glass of wine?”
“You have no idea.” He pulls me to the bar and I order a glass, drinking it quickly. Parker shakes his head and downs his gin and tonic. It doesn’t take long for the wine to kick in on an empty stomach. The food is in the next room over and my stomach growls. “I think it’s time for some food. I haven’t eaten all day.”
“So that’s why your eyes have this glazed over look?” he teases.
I’m pretty sure there’s another reasons for that, but I’m not about to tell him.
He pays for our drinks and we retreat to the room with the food. Parker and I fix our plates and take a seat at an empty table. The other people in the wedding party are sitting at the front tables, but I don’t want to leave Parker by himself, not when I’m the one who asked him to join me.
“What did shitdick say to you?” he asks.
I guzzle another glass of wine before answering. “He said he heard about the grand re-opening of Les Belle from Charles Wainright.”
“Is that it?”
“Pretty much. I didn’t stick around long enough for him to try his usual bullshit.”
His jaw clenches. “I can’t stand the thought of you being around that jackass.”
Smiling, I place my hand on his like it’s second nature. Wine makes me bold. “That’s why I have you to protect me,” I tease with a wink. Yep, definitely bold.
I half expect him to spout out the whole no dating rule again, but he doesn’t. He smiles and moves closer, his fingers intertwining with mine. I get lost in his gray eyes, wondering what it would be like to kiss him. He stares at me, like he’s wondering the same thing.
The music starts playing and the bride and groom do their first dance, followed by the father and daughter dance. “Do you think you’ll ever get married?” I ask, watching the people around us. My head feels heavy from all the wine. I lean into him and smile.
His lips pull up in a seductive smirk, eyes glassy. “Maybe one day. It’s hard to find someone who isn’t just after my money.”
“You don’t think I’m like that do you?”
He squeezes my hand. “Of course not. You’re different than most, but also off limits.”
Sighing, I turn my head. “Yes, I know.”
A slow song comes on next and Parker pulls me to my feet. “I want to dance with you.”
A laugh escapes my lips. “Do you even know how?”
He ignores my question and pulls me onto the dance floor, twirling me around before pulling me in close. One of his hands is on my waist, while the other holds my hand. The song is one of his favorites, Beautiful Tonight by Eric Clapton.
"Does this answer your question?"
I giggle and shake my head at him in disbelief. “You’re full of surprises, Parker Ward.” Zac glares at us from across the room and Parker must see him because he draws me in closer. “Do you ever wonder what it’d be like between us if we didn’t work together?” I ask him.
His gaze finds my lips. “All the time. And even if we didn’t, your brother would have a problem with it.”
“What if he didn’t?”
“What is this, twenty questions?”
I shrug, hoping he’ll answer it. He twirls me around again and laughs. “I don’t know, Mia. Those are questions we’ll never have the answers to.”
“I know. I just thought I’d ask,” I murmur softly.
His brows furrow and he keeps his gaze on me while the song continues to play. It’s such a beautiful song, I don’t want it to stop. Ever so slowly, Parker leans in, his lips achingly near to mine. I can feel his breath on my skin. Should I close the distance? Is that a step I want to take? His lips break apart and I’m ready for them to touch mine, but the song stops and the spell is broken.
Averting his gaze, he snaps up straight and looks down at his watch. “You about ready to leave?”
We step apart and I hate myself for losing control. From now on, there will be no drinking around Parker. “Sure, let’s go.”
The sun shines through my window and I groan. It’s Sunday morning and I have the worst hangover of my life. When I got dropped off last night, Parker walked me to the door and I about choked on the tension buzzing between us as we said our goodbyes. I wish it was easier to deny the connection we have.
My meeting with Charles to show him my new design collection is tomorrow. I get out of bed and grab some coffee, thinking I’m going to spruce them up, when I realize I left the whole damn sketchbook in my office. I try to call Parker to let him know I’m going up there, but he doesn’t answer. He’s probably avoiding me after asking him those stupid ass questions. How embarrassing. He’s made it obviously clear he doesn’t date women he works with. The sooner I get that through my mind, the easier this will be.
My phone rings but it’s not Parker returning my call. “Mom, what’s up?”
“Hey, darling. I’m cooking lunch today, chicken and dumplings. Want to come by and eat in a couple of hours?”
I look at the clock; it’s ten in the morning. I haven’t slept over ten hours since I was in high school. “Sure,” I say, pulling out a shirt and jeans from my closet. “I just have to run to the office and grab my sketchbook and I’ll be right over.”
“Sounds good, sweetheart. See you then.”
Arriving at work, I take the elevator up to Ward Enterprises, and head straight to my office. It’s still hard to believe I have a huge office in one of the biggest buildings in downtown, working for one of the richest people in the city. It’s also hard to believe Parker has grown so much since we were kids. My sketchpad is right where I left it on my desk. I snatch it up and head out the door. I’m sure my mother will want to see what I’ve been working on.
Shutting the door to my office, a giggling noise catches my attention. It’s coming from behind Parker’s door. My stomach clenches, and my heart drops to my stomach. The thought of Parker in there with another woman makes me ill. I edge closer to
the door, definitely a glutton for punishment. What the hell is wrong with me? He’s not mine and he never will be. I hear the voice again, and I recognize it. Tonya.
“Oh my God, your cock is so big. Harder, baby!” Papers shuffle around and I can hear the slapping of their bodies against one another.
“Son of a bitch,” I whisper low, anger replacing my sadness. Both emotions leave me feeling gutted. One thing is clear; Parker is a fucking liar.
I hate Mondays. Loathe them. And as soon as I step into the lobby of Ward Enterprises, the front desk receptionist looks up and smiles. I don’t know what I offer back, but by the look on her face, it isn’t good. I disappear quickly down the hall leading to my office, only to run into a happy Mrs. Jones.
Mrs. Jones makes every Monday cheery. I don’t know if she wakes up this way, or if it’s just her mission to make sure everyone is having a good day, but at times, it can be annoying. There are days I want to come in and slam my door, ignoring her cheery disposition, but my grandfather would have my hide if I did something like that, especially to Mrs. Jones.
“Good morning, Mr. Ward. May I take those for you?” She grabs my briefcase and removes my coat. “The financials for Wess & Co. are in your inbox, as requested.” She hands me my messages after hanging my coat.
“Great, thank you.” I glance at Mia’s door. I know I should go in there and talk to her about Saturday night, but I’m not sure what I can say to make the situation any less awkward. “Is Ms. Hudson here?”
“She’s not in yet. Shall I send her to your office when she arrives?”
“No, I’ll see her in our board meeting.”
I step into my office and shut the door, resting against it. Something has to give, but I don’t know what. There’s no doubt in my mind that hiring Mia was a mistake, but as I went over the financials this weekend, I know I did what’s best for Ward Enterprises. She’s going to turn Les Belle around in no time. I gave her this challenge and she stepped up without hesitation and took over, making the account her own.