by M R Field
What are you doing, Odette? I wonder. She’s barely acknowledged him all night, and here they are—alone from the looks of it. I stand, watching them, ready to jump in if she does something stupid. He’s got a girlfriend—.
“Whatever it is that’s bothering you, I’d appreciate it if you’d tell me.” Micah’s hand moves to touch Odette’s arm, but she shifts to step away from him. The street lights from outside illuminate their movements, and I stand as still as possible.
“I’m fine. I’m here with my sister. I thought everything was running smoothly?” Her tone is clipped, dismissive. It doesn’t sound like my sister at all.
“It is,” he returns, and I peer in a little past the curtain to watch. “But, it’s a work function, and it’s inappropriate if you’re indulging.…”
“Indulging?” Her voice hardens, and she crosses her arms across her chest. A part of me braces, as that’s the standard “you’re about to cop it” pose from my sister. She used it often when I meddled with her dolls and makeup. “I’ve only had a couple of drinks with my sister, showing her the city and what I do. I am not”—she leans in closer—“drunk, nor am I behaving foolishly.”
She straightens, and I’m curious. What did I miss?
“That’s not what it looked like with Elijah.”
“Is that what this is about?” Her arms unfold, and she moves them to her hips. “What a terrible oversight.”
“He was being unprofessional. His arm was—.”
“Giving me a hug. He wasn’t being unprofessional. He simply greeted me and proceeded to ask if my sister was single.”
Micah’s face loosens in surprise, but Odette continues, “Elijah has never been unprofessional to me or about me. He wouldn’t dare. He respects me.”
“Elijah is our biggest obstacle at the moment.”
“I know that,” she snaps. “I have also established a rapport with him, and boundaries. You do not need to drag me away from a friend. That was rude. He may seduce everything with a pulse, including other players’ wives, but not me.”
“Odette, if I believe that any of my staff are conducting themselves in a manner that’s concerning, I have to check in. It’s in the best interest of the clu—.”
“I’m the last one you need to have an opinion about. In fact.…” Her head moves, and a curl untucks from her up-do. Her hand loosens from her side to brush it behind her ear. “…I’d prefer if you not have one about me at all.”
No sooner have the words left her lips than Micah’s hand raises to her cheek, his thumb moving across it. Odette’s shoulders stiffen, and her foot shifts to cross behind the other one.
“You had something on your cheek.” His voice lowers and, despite the music, I catch the change in tone. There’s no way he doesn’t have an opinion of her. Wow. The tension around them swirls, and it’s a wonder I’m not smothered by it.
“Oh.” She steps back, her gaze instantly moving to the floor and away from him, her hands smoothing her skirt down her legs. “I’m going to check that there’s enough food being served to avoid a repeat of the fall break-up party.”
She turns, and I shift to hide behind the curtain, her voice still reaching me. “We don’t want to have a repeat with Jackson.”
Her heels clack quickly, and she whizzes past me, oblivious to me standing there. I’m about to go to her when Micah mutters, “What am I going to do about you?”
My face tightens as blood heats beneath my skin. Before he can leave, I step into the opening and face him, but he hasn’t noticed me. His hand is in his pocket, but his eyes are staring down at his shoes. Probably thinking of how to tell my sister off for more bullshit.
I don’t wait for him to see me. I march right on in.
“You could, for a start, not call my sister fat,” I retort sharply.
His head snaps up. Shocked eyes bore into mine. “I’m sorry?”
“Yeah, you could do that, too. Apologise.”
“What do you mean? I never called her fat.” He takes his hand out of his pocket and moves a few steps toward me. To some, he might look intimidating with his broad shoulders and menacing eyes, but to me, intimidating and crabby bosses deserve a dose of reality. Time to eat them up and spit them out.
“She overheard you calling her fat. My sister and I might not be stick thin, but we’ve never worried. Whatever freakazoid fitness regime you might have going on, Mr. Ripped, does not mean you get to judge. My sister is stunning.” I tilt my chin up and say, “You may need to rethink professional behaviour lectures and take a good, hard look at yourself.” The words flow from my mouth, and I can’t control them. “We work our arses off for you; we don’t have to be models to get the job done. We’re worth every single ounce of dignity.” I point my finger at him, not caring who he is. I am done with bosses. “What you said hurt her. She remained professional, though. It’s not the 1920s. You should feel ashamed. You were the one who put that hurt look on her face every time I Skyped her.”
The words leave a sour taste in my mouth, and I turn sharply, marching away. I hear him call out to me, but I keep walking. A waiter passes me, and I swipe a glass, not caring what it is. I take a huge swig and continue to march.
Men and their sense of entitlement. Thinking they can say and do whatever they want, and it doesn’t matter what we feel. I spot Odette walking to the other side of the room to the group of guys she introduced me to earlier, and I head over to check up on her. As I pass each table, the feeling that I’m being watched increases. What is going on?
I turn my head toward the bar, and my heart stops along with my feet. Emotion clogs my throat as I watch the shadow move toward me.
The lights flicker across his face, and despite the darkness in the club, I know it’s him. I’ve known those eyes my entire life. How did he find me?
“What the hell are you doing here?” I shriek as he walks closer to me. The strobe lights flicker along his face and his shoulders sway slightly, highlighting his movements as he strides with predator-like intent, narrowing the gap between us. The beams of light shadow and flash against his features. Strong jaw, striking eyes, and smooth lips. The longing I have for him intensifies, sending a pang so forcefully to my chest that I can’t help but feel breathless. I swallow, curling my fingers around my drink, secretly urging my need to touch his unshaven jaw to die down. The sensations that his mouth used to give me scramble my thoughts. Hot breath, heavy pants, fingers gripping me …
No way. You will not do this to me again.
“Isn’t it obvious?” He moves entirely into my space until all I see and smell is him.
“I don’t want you here,” I seethe through gritted teeth. His aftershave lingers between us, causing a thrum to beat under my skin.
“If you really felt that way, I would have never received that email.” His lips tilt up in a grin.
“Like that matters in the grand scheme of things.” I step back, too tempted by his close proximity. I can’t have him touch me.
“It does to me. You wanted a grand gesture.” He opens his arms out widely, taking up too much room around him. People near us begin to stare. “Well, here it is!” he shouts, and my face reddens. His eyes sparkle with hope as he stares back at me.
“I can’t.” I turn my head, my heart thundering within my chest. Once, I would have gone willingly. But that was before he ignored any chance of there being an us.
His bitter words resurface. “I blamed you. I hated you so much.” I shudder as I stare down at the floor. Each bitter memory builds on the last, and aches, as he continues to call to me.
“I dare you, Letty.” His voice lowers, begging me to go to him, but I turn, dropping my glass to run past him into the crowd. The glass shatters, along with the remaining pieces of what was left of us. I don’t know how to forgive him, or if I ever will.
I race toward the exit, knowing he’s right behind me. I ignore the stares as I weave through couples and tables. Odette’s eyes meet mine for a second, but I’m too fr
enzied to see her reaction. I spot the elevator in the distance and sigh in relief. I need air. My chest feels constricted, and I can’t deal with all the emotions sailing through my body right now.
“Letty, please,” Cole calls out to me. “Just hear me out. I want to—.”
I halt, seeing Micah near the exit, and I cringe. I’ve already made a fool of myself in front of him twice now; I don’t need to make things worse for Odette. I spin and almost collide with Cole, but I hold my clutch to keep him back. I step to the side, out of Micah’s sight against the wall, and Cole follows instantly.
“You ignored my email!” I snap. “Why the hell should I listen to you after all the things your said?”
“I was a fool. You know this,” he pleads, his voice hushed as I glance around.
“You broke my heart.” My voice catches. I take a deep breath, struggling to hold back the stupid tears that want to weaken me.
“I know. I broke my own heart when I realised I was too late. Seeing you with a boyfriend all those years ago felt like a sign that I never deserved you, but I couldn’t stay away. You think I didn’t suffer?” he exclaims, “I behaved like an idiot, and I can’t take those years back. I can’t change who I was. All I can be is who I am with you now. Who I’m meant to be.”
“How can I trust you?”
“I’m here, aren’t I? Even if you stay here forever, I’ll sell and follow.”
“What do you mean stay here?” I grimace, biting my lip.
“Piper said you were all packed up. You had boxes by the front door, and she said.…” He rubs his forehead, and it clicks.
“I’m not moving here, Cole. I think Piper might’ve played a trick on you. I was just clearing out some stuff.”
“I saw.” He puts his hand in his pocket and pulls out the broken shell and its missing piece. My breath catches. “It felt like you were throwing us away, too.”
I reach forward and grab the shell, running my fingers carefully over the sharp edge. “I wasn’t throwing us away, I just didn’t think I needed this anymore.”
“I need you.” Cole’s pained eyes look at me, and my pulse thuds against my skin.
“Letty.” Odette’s voice breaks our moment, and I turn to find her reaching out to touch my arm. “We all make mistakes, honey. At least he knows he has.” She reaches for the shell and puts it in her clutch. Her smile brightens as she faces Cole. “You took your time, you idiot.”
“I came the second I felt I could. I had to wait for someone to give me your address, to be standing here for starters.”
“Well, you had to work for it,” Odette retorts.
“Believe me, I know,” he blurts, and I watch his face turn shameful. “I know this will probably hurt, but I have nothing else left to lose. I read those emails, Letty. Every single one. Every single time I was horrible to you while you worked for me—each memory stung like a slap across the face. I know I hurt you, and after reading them, I know I definitely don’t deserve you.” He takes a deep breath, his jaw twitching, before he continues, “But after you emailed me, I saw my chance. I want you to need me like I need you.”
“Cole.” My voice breaks. Those emails were so silly and so brutal. I shake my head in embarrassment. He flew over here for me. Can I forgive him? “We’ve both been fools. I flew to the other side of the world, and you came for me.” I grab his hand and squeeze it, watching the relief soften his face. “I think I got my grand gesture, after all.”
“I’d follow you anywhere,” he admits, and I smile. “I missed you so much.”
“I missed you.”
“I see you, Letty,” Cole declares, stepping closer, “I didn’t spend my life growing up with you to lose you now. I want to fix us. You tell me what I need to do, and I’ll do it. I’m standing right here, Letty. But I’m begging you to not step away. Don’t give up on us.”
A lone tear runs down my face, and his hand reaches up and wipes it gently off my cheek. I’ve missed his touch. I’ve missed him. I want to try, but my heart is so fragile right now, and I’m afraid he’ll break it. If he really sees me, he needs to come tomorrow so he can see how I’ve seen him. “Come to my exhibition tomorrow. I need you with me.”
“Of course.” His hand moves from my cheek to my back, and he draws me into an embrace, holding me close, holding me safe.
“Um, guys, I don’t really want to interrupt this special moment, but my soccer boys are staring. Let’s get out of here, and you can choose your next move without an audience.”
My face shifts to find that all the nearest tables are quietly observing us.
“Fuck the audience.” Cole moves his arm behind my back and leans in, brushing his lips against mine. “I fell for you when we were teenagers. I know nothing else but this.” His lips brush mine again. “This is all that fulfils me.”
His mouth claims mine, and I moan, having missed his touch. He holds me closer, and I wrap my arms around him. We hear rapturous applause around us. I feel Odette’s fingers tapping my side, frantically trying to get my attention, but I need just a little longer.
“Please, guys, this isn’t Love Island, this is my work place.” She laughs, and Cole shifts back, his hand moving to my cheek.
“To be continued.” He smiles, and I roll my eyes.
“That is a terrible line.”
“Okay, folks,” Odette declares. “Nothing to see here. Back to your business. Free bar, remember? Off you go.”
She links her arms with ours, and the three of us make our way to the elevator. Micah is still close by, but Odette doesn’t acknowledge him. I’m about to ask her if she’s allowed to even leave, when a small blonde appears by us. I’m about to move to the side so she can push whichever button she needs, when her voice catches me off guard.
“Oh, Oda?” Her cherry lips ask, but I feel my sister flinch at my elbow.
“It’s Odette, Heidi,” she says, loosening from my grasp and crossing her arms over her chest, her clutch covering the lace of her top.
“Oh, that’s right.” She giggles, and my bitch radar blinks on. The laugh is as fake as her platinum hair.
“I’m Letty, her sister,” I offer. Cole’s hand moves to my hip, and I sense even he feels her hostility.
“Oh.” Her eyes dart up and down my body. “I can tell you have … similar … genetics.” She blinks her fake eyelashes at Odette and innocently asks, “Did you have a chance to try that diet I suggested? It’s amazing what wonders it can do.” She smiles once more before her eyes land on Micah. “Isn’t that right, baby? We only have one body—.”
“Odette doesn’t need a diet,” Cole interrupts her, and I feel his fingers draw me closer. “She’s beautiful, just like her sister. You need a Happy Meal. Not just because you’re childish, but really mostly”—the elevator pings, the door opens, and he pulls me in, Odette following close behind—“because you’re a bitter bitch.”
He pushes the ground button, and I burst out laughing, wrapping my arm around him. The door closes, and I notice Micah staring directly at Odette, who is staring back at him, a triumphant grin on her face. Take that, arsehole boss! I hold Cole’s arm around me tighter. Him protecting my sister just made my heart flutter a little harder.
“Where are you staying?” I ask, squeezing his hand.
“At the hotel around the corner from you.”
I lay a hand on my heart and giggle. “Optimistic, were we?”
“Determined,” he concedes, touching my face. “We’re going to go get a quick coffee to kick this jet lag and a piece of that cheesecake tonight.”
“Sounds great,” I say, curling into his side, turning my face to secretly smell him. I’m being weird, but I don’t care.
“Tomorrow, my lady is going to shine,” he announces.
“I hope so.” The swirl of nerves circles my belly.
He leans down toward my ear and whispers, “I know so.”
“Guys, no sexy whispering. You made me want to upchuck back there,” Odette groans, bu
t I know she’s full of it.
“Don’t worry, Odette. One day you can make us upchuck, too,” Cole jokes. My eyes meet Odette’s as a soft blush covers her cheeks. Her gaze loses that glint for a moment before she blinks to hide the hurt.
I smile, knowing what I saw between her and Micah before. One day, honey, it’s going to happen, and I suspect it might be sooner than you think.
Cole
“Honest to God, if you come near me with that spray again I will maim you!” Letty shouts, and I hear muffled steps in the bathroom. I lean back against the couch in Odette’s apartment and chuckle, hearing the sisters argue over how Letty should be dressed tonight. She could wear a wheat sack and I wouldn’t care. I’m just happy to be sitting right here.
“Letty, the heating in there will make your curls springy. Just let me get the fuzzies back,” Odette reasons, but I hear a stomp.
“No! I’m nervous enough about tonight as it is. I don’t want you touching my hair,” Letty snaps.
“It’s a wonder one of them isn’t dead.” Anja laughs and moves to sit next to me. “They sound ready to tear each other up.”
“They’re seasoned fighters,” I joke. “I remember them as kids. They’d tear each other’s puzzles up and then be best friends the next minute.” I shake my head. “Women. I don’t get them.”
“I heard that!” Letty calls out.
“Good, so you’ll hear me say we have ten minutes to go until we have to leave.” I check my
watch. “Make that eight.”
A stomp sounds again as well as a grumble.
“So, how long are you here for?” Anja shifts on the couch.
“I think three weeks. I just need to send a few emails home.” Six months ago, every aspect of my business would have been under my tight control. Now, I know my boys can handle it. After I go through and double-check it all for Steve to be in charge. “We might travel around for a week or two, but I’m leaving it up to Letty. She’s been wanting to visit since Odette left, so it only makes sense to go with her plans.”
